Dear Shake-A-Leg Miami Community, 

I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we’re on together. November has been filled with memorable events and moments that showcase the heart of Shake-A-Leg Miami—a place where people of all abilities come together to experience the joy and freedom of the water. From our We Can Sail program, which brings smiles and joy every Saturday, to the thriving FIRST Tech Challenge, where young minds learn the art and science of building robots, we’re reminded each week of the incredible strength and creativity within our community. Shake-A-Leg is truly a space for everyone, and we’re thrilled to share it with all of you. 

This month, we were especially proud to honor our veterans. On November 9, we celebrated our heroes with a special Bay Day—a day of gratitude, joy, and connection with the water. Thank you to each of our veterans, both with and without disabilities, for your service and for allowing us to recognize you in this way. It was inspiring to see so many of you enjoying the day, and it’s our privilege to create these meaningful moments that give back in a small way to those who have given so much. 

As we look toward the future, our commitment to the Miami community remains stronger than ever. We’re here for each of you, and we’re proud to be a place where all are welcome, all can learn, and all can dream. Thank you for being part of our Shake-A-Leg family, and we look forward to seeing what more we can accomplish together. 

With heartfelt gratitude,  

Harry Horgan 

 

Give Miami Day is one of the most important annual fundraising events in our community, bringing together donors and nonprofits to support vital causes. This special day of giving is a fantastic opportunity to support Shake-A-Leg Miami and help us continue our mission of empowering individuals with disabilities through watersports and recreational activities. 

There are several ways you can contribute and make a difference: 

Donate Directly: Your generous donation can have a big impact. Contributions start from just $25, and every dollar helps us provide programs and services to our community. Early giving starts on November 17th, so you don't have to wait until Give Miami Day to make a difference! 

Fundraise for Us: Become a champion for Shake-A-Leg Miami by creating your own fundraising page. It's a great way to engage your friends and family and expand the reach of our mission. Here’s how you can set up your page: 

- Visit our Give Miami Day profile. 

- Click on "Create a Champion Page." 

- Follow the simple steps to personalize your page with your story and fundraising      goal. 

- Share your page with your network and encourage them to donate! 

Starting from November 17th, you can participate in Early Give Days. This period allows you to make your donation early and ensure it counts towards our Give Miami Day total. Early giving is a great way to show your support ahead of time and help us build momentum as we approach the big day. 

Every act of kindness counts, whether it's making a donation or spreading the word. Together, we can make this Give Miami Day a success and continue to change lives through the power of sailing and watersports. 

Shake-A-Leg is thrilled to announce a major two-year, $193,000 grant award from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation that will significantly enhance our ability to serve individuals with spinal cord injuries. The Neilson Foundation award is underwriting the acquisition of a wide array of adaptive sailing, kayaking and fishing equipment that will make it easier than ever for participants to access our fleet and get out on the water. 

Additionally anyone with SCI is welcome to sign up for free sailing and kayaking lessons and to participate in competitive regattas underwritten by the Neilson Foundation grant. Over the course of the next two years, the Neilson Foundation is helping us sponsor four annual Bay Days in partnership with the Miami Spinal Cord Injury Support Association. Read more about the grant activities and how to sign up.   

On October 17, The Way Forward Foundation hosted a remarkable TopGolf Tournament at Topgolf Miami Doral, uniting participants to support Shake-A-Leg Miami. The evening was filled with friendly competition, laughter, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact on our community. Read more to discover how this partnership is creating lasting change and the joy we shared during this unforgettable event! 

We were honored to welcome representatives from The Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation, who visited our facilities to witness the impact of Shake-A-Leg Miami firsthand. John Edward Smith and his team toured our programs, met our dedicated staff, and engaged with participants to learn more about the work we do. Their visit highlighted the vital support they’ve provided over the years, and we’re grateful for their continued presence in our journey. 

On October 27, Shake-A-Leg Miami welcomed the Spinal Cord Injury Support Group for a special Bay Day! This unforgettable day was filled with adaptive sailing, kayaking, and community connection, offering participants an opportunity to embrace the freedom of the water and enjoy supportive camaraderie. Read more to learn about the impactful moments and highlights of this day on our website! 

On November 9, Shake-A-Leg Miami proudly hosted a special Bay Day honoring our veterans. Veterans of all abilities gathered with friends and family for a memorable day on the water, enjoying activities like sailing, kayaking, and simply relaxing in good company. It was our way of saying thank you to those who have served. Read more about this heartfelt celebration on our website! 

This Give Miami Day, we’re thrilled to unveil a unique and vibrant addition to the Shake A Leg Miami Fleet: a floating artwork by the renowned Romero Britto! This colorful vessel, designed with universal access in mind, invites everyone to experience the beauty of Miami’s waters. Join us on Thursday, November 21, at 4:00 PM for the reveal and be part of the celebration as we set sail to open the healing qualities with people of all abilities.  Read more about this exciting project and how it will inspire connection across our community. 

Shake-A-Leg Miami is proud to host some of the most exciting regattas of the season, showcasing the skills and passion of sailors from around the globe. 

Last week, we kicked off with the Melges 20 Warm-Up Regatta, an exhilarating prelude to the competitive action. The Melges 20 fleet is known for its dynamic and fast-paced racing, and we're thrilled to welcome these talented teams to our waters. 

Following closely is the VX One North Americans Regatta, running from November 14 to Saturday, November 16. This event promises intense competition as sailors vie for the championship title. It’s an honor to provide a venue where camaraderie, sportsmanship, and world-class sailing come together. 

Hosting these regattas reflects our commitment to fostering a vibrant sailing community and promoting access to Biscayne Bay. We extend a warm welcome to all the sailors, their teams, and supporters. Together, let’s celebrate the joy of sailing and the beauty of our bay! 

We’re excited to share that there are still openings in several of our programs, and we’d love for you to join us! Whether you're interested in adaptive sailing, vocational training, or robotics, Shake-A-Leg Miami has a place for you: 

Experience the freedom of the water with our We Can Sail Program! Open to individuals of all abilities, this program offers hands-on sailing experiences that foster confidence, independence, and a connection to nature. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned sailor, there’s something for everyone. Join us and feel the wind in your sails!

Learn more. 

Our Marine and Vocational Hospital Program is designed to empower individuals through hands-on learning and job skills training. Participants gain valuable experience working with boats, maintaining marine equipment, and exploring potential career paths in marine industries. Sign up and take the first step toward a rewarding new skill set!

Learn more. 

Make a lasting impact as a mentor! Join us in guiding and inspiring the next generation through one-on-one connections and group activities. Help students unlock their potential by sharing your expertise and experiences. Your mentorship can change lives!

Learn more. 

Make a lasting impact as a mentor! Join us in guiding and inspiring the next generation through one-on-one connections and group activities. Help students unlock their potential by sharing your expertise and experiences. Your mentorship can change lives!

Learn more. 

Be a part of our FIRST Tech Challenge team! Every Saturday, from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, young engineers and innovators come together to build and program robots. This exciting program teaches valuable STEM skills and teamwork, and it’s open to students who are ready to dive into the world of robotics. Join us by filling out the form and get ready to build something amazing! 

Mark your calendars and come be part of the adventure. There's something for everyone at Shake-A-Leg Miami! 

As we wrap up this month’s newsletter, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. Your support, enthusiasm, and involvement make everything we do possible. Together, we’re building a community where everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of the water, the thrill of learning, and the warmth of friendship. 

From all of us here at Shake-A-Leg Miami, thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to seeing you at upcoming events, on the bay, and in our programs. Here’s to creating even more unforgettable memories together! 

With gratitude, 

The Shake-A-Leg Miami Team 

305-858-5550

2620 S Bayshore Dr
Coconut Grove FL