Sponsor-a-Diver | Stay-Focused

Sponsor-a-Diver an initiative that solidifies the connection between donors to Stay-Focused and our participants. Individual donors (or donor teams) have an opportunity to connect with first-time divers the year they achieve their PADI SCUBA Diver certification and remain connected to them when they return for their reunion program the following summer. Whenever possible, we will partner the donor or donors with participants based on known history, common interests, and geographical proximity. Sponsorship for one diver, at the $5,000 level, covers all expenses for two, week-long trips to Grand Cayman.

During the first program, divers achieve their Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) SCUBA Diver certification, which enables them to dive anywhere in the world, accompanied by a diving instructor.

Mentor Stephen Machak with first-time diver Alicia Guerrero (Summer 2019)

Alicia …” I got to dive, drive the boat, hold a turtle, go parasailing, and get my hair braided professionally …”

First-time diver Jaydon Jenkins: “This program taught me a lot and showed me if I put my mind to it, I can accomplish anything … it was an amazing experience I’ll never forget.” Jaydon Jenkins, 15, achieved his SCUBA Diver certification in August 2019

Ruby (l) and Samantha – Stay-Focused divers

IN THE SUMMER OF 2023, WE WILL HOST TWO FIRST-TIME DIVER PROGRAMS AND TWO REUNION PROGRAMS FOR DIVERS WE CERTIFIED IN 2022.

Best friends Ruby Elbert and Samantha McMinn had a great time during their reunion program in 2019.

Following the program, Ruby and Samantha traveled directly to their respective universities to start their freshman year … University of Illinois for Ruby and University of Arizona for Samantha … both Ruby and Samantha are members of their university’s wheelchair basketball team …

Your Opportunity to Join the Team

In 2023, we welcome the support of individual donors or donor teams who would like to sponsor our first-time divers. We will have 12 first-time divers learning to dive this summer and benefitting from our program in many ways, including increased self-confidence, being inspired to try new things, and feeling motivated to set higher goals. Donors receive photos from their sponsored divers, along with thank-you notes, and the joy in knowing they have made a measurable and sustainable difference in their lives.

Contact

For more information about the program, please contact Ryan Chalmers, Director of Development: ryan@stay-focused.org

Ryan Chalmers and Stay-Focused mentor Emma Albert, Summer 2019