Help Us Complete the Capital Campaign!
With your contribution CRAB will complete the Adaptive Boating Cener debt free.
$425 raised
$250,000 goal
We are no longer accepting donations on this campaign, but there are other ways for you to support us today!
Building An Access Ramp to the Chesapeake Bay: CRAB Adaptive Boating Center
Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) is the leading provider of outdoor therapeutic programs for people with disabilities on Chesapeake Bay. CRAB’s services are free of charge and were perfected over its 30-year history. CRAB, in partnership with the State of Maryland, Anne Arundel County, and the City of Annapolis, built and operates the premier Adaptive Boating Center (ABC). The ABC has earned national and international attention and promotes barrier-free recreation to empower people with disabilities, recovering veterans, and youth from underserved communities and their families. CRAB is requesting $250,000 to eliminate its construction debt.
Maryland provided $1.3 million to the ABC, Anne Arundel County provided $1.3 million, and the City of Annapolis allocated $500,000. The City of Annapolis owns the property, while CRAB has a 40-year lease to build, operate, and maintain the ABC. CRAB has raised $3,079,877 and is now requesting $250,000 from the Marion I. & Henry J. Knott Foundation to close out its construction loan. Partial funding would also be appreciated to lower accumulating interest and provide relief.
CRAB provides programming for partner organizations, such as Maryland School for the Blind, Kennedy Krieger Institute, The ARC, and Walter Reed National Military Center. Some disabilities that CRAB guests are diagnosed with include Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum, and paraplegia. In 2022, CRAB hosted 1233 guests for 71 sailing events. With the addition of the ABC, CRAB expects to grow its number of community partners and triple its service capacity in the next three years. Success is measured by increased program delivery, surveys, and on the water assessment.
CRAB values family unity. CRAB offers family sails for free to people with disabilities and their family members. Surveys show that the rate of divorce in families with a member with disabilities may be as high as 87%. It isn't only the marriage that is over-stressed. The entire family, including non-disabled siblings, can suffer. Some contributors include a lack of support from extended family, friends, and the community in general. Families that do best have a support system and participate in family activities. CRAB creates opportunity in a stress-free environment and boasts a 100% safety rating, allowing families to leave worries behind.