One day does make a difference! This year’s 30th Annual Capital Yacht Club - Phyllis Golumbe Police and Firefighter’s Appreciation Picnic fell on the one day in 20 that brought rain. The Capital Yacht Club has been honoring the first responders who protect us for three decades. This was the first picnic held in CYC’s “new” temporary location while the new clubhouse is under construction as part of DC’s Southwest Waterfront redevelopment.
Not to be deterred, CYC volunteers came out in mass to support the event on a very rainy September 12. With the “just in time” delivery of the new patio canopy the night before, the CYC team, along with transients and guests jumped in to make the event memorable despite Mother Nature’s best efforts.
The attendance was as strong as ever for the on-duty Police and Firefighters, but the weather definitely kept the number off-duty personnel and families to a minimum. Estimated attendance was nearly 500 “on-duty” personnel, combined with about 400 “go meals," brought the total in just under 1,000 meals served.
The Metropolitan DC Fire Department rotated engine companies throughout the day, while the Metropolitan Police Department Command Center put out multiple messages to the on-duty officers, reminding them of the event. That combined with the station-to-station flyer delivery by CYC members and the emails sent out by both Police and Fire Unions contributed to some of our best outreach in years.
DC Cruises provided a tour of the DC waterfront for those off-duty first responders and families that braved the elements. Sponsors included Entertainment Cruises, Cantina Marina, Jenny’s, The Wharf, Police Federal Credit Union, The Washington Nationals, DC Cruises and Gang Plank Marina.
