Nonprofit Brings Families in Need to Bush River Yacht Club

Families of sick children will get a day away from doctors and medical bills on Sunday, and enjoy a day out on the water at the Bush River Yacht Club as part of Captains Sharing and Caring.

A nonprofit started by a couple in Pennsylvania, Captains Sharing and Caring provides opportunities, such as days out on the water, for special needs children, sick children or those with disabilities and their families.

Cheryl and Robert Krajcsik started the nonprofit after their own daughter died of heart disease when she was just 2-and-a-half-years-old.

“The [medical] costs are a huge burden on these families,” Cheryl Krajcsik said. “So we want to give them a day where they don’t have to worry about anything. We invite the whole family to come and just enjoy the day.”

When Bush River Yacht Club (BRYC) board of governors member Patrick Longo heard about Captains Sharing and Caring and its mission, he knew he wanted to get the Abingdon club involved.

“I am a member of the board of governs at BRYC, and I brought it up at a meeting,” Longo said. “It was an event everybody wanted to participate in immediately.”

Throughout 16 trips this summer, Captains Sharing and Caring has helped 198 people.

Krajcsik said that during the trips, they take the families out on boats, provide a picnic lunch and then let the kids swim and play games throughout the day.

“It will just be a day for them to get away from the medical environment and just get out and have fun,” Longo said.