Vunique Vacations Charitable Donations

Mission: Captains For Clean Water is a grassroots 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that fights to restore and protect our water resources.

Overview: Captains for Clean Water was established in 2016 by a couple of local fishing guides fed up with the poor management of Florida’s natural waterways and estuaries. They work to educate and empower people to advocate on behalf of their water quality. One of the Captains for Clean Water’s main initiatives is the Everglades restoration. Its objective is to restore the natural flow of excess fresh water from Lake Okeechobee through the Florida Everglades, by removing the dikes, canals, and loch systems that currently redirect this fresh water containing phosphate-laden farm runoff to our saltwater eco-system and Gulf waters, which may fuel algae blooms and other environmental concerns.

Mission: The purpose of the Coastal Conservation Association is to advise and educate the public on the conservation of marine resources. The objective of CCA is to conserve, promote, and enhance the present and future availability of those coastal resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public.

Overview: CCA was created in 1977 after drastic commercial overfishing along the Texas coast had decimated redfish and speckled trout populations. A group of 14 concerned recreational anglers gathered in a local tackle shop to create the Gulf Coast Conservation Association to turn the tide for conservation. Only four years later, gill nets along the Texas coast were outlawed and both red drum and speckled trout were declared game fish. This previously unimaginable victory launched a new era in marine resource conservation.
The successful conservation movement that started with the “Save the Redfish” campaign got the attention of anglers across the Gulf and by 1985, chapters had formed all along the Gulf Coast. By the early ‘90s, the South- and Mid-Atlantic regions had CCA chapters, in 2007, Washington and Oregon chapters were formed and in 2015, the CCA California chapter was created.

Mission: Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Overview: Since 1970, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties have played an integral role in the Sarasota County community, providing daily programs and services to thousands of young people. The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The vision is to provide a world-class Club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.

Mission: The Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund will provide opportunities for socio-economically diverse students to experience an independent, college preparatory education at The Out-of-Door Academy’s Upper School. They will learn in an environment which allows students to strive to achieve their highest academic goals and build character through a balanced program of academics, the arts, and athletics.

Overview: The Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund was created in the wake of Taylor’s untimely tragedy. Although Taylor’s life was cut short he managed to accomplish more in his 19 years than most people wish for in their lifetime. Taylor’s life was full of appreciation, gratitude, kindness and accomplishment. He was fortunate to have many experiences yet never took anything for granted. Family was very important to Taylor. From a very young age Taylor was always concerned for others around him. In 5th grade he earned the trust of an autistic boy in his class and always made sure he was attended to and taken care of at large events, where he knew this boy would struggle. During his High School years at The Out-of-Door Academy, he got involved with the backpack program, which he and his classmates would stuff backpacks for children through All Faiths Food Bank. Although the hole created by his absence can never be filled, his family has created something positive in his honor. And so the Taylor Emmons Scholarship was created and will be awarded to at least one deserving young student each year that otherwise would not have the means to attend this private school.