Press Release: Freedom Boat Club Names Boat for Gabriel’s Light

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May 13, 2021 - Freedom Boat Club (FBC) is proud to announce its newest boat to Montrose Harbor is ready to set sail on Sunday, May 16, 2021. 

FBC has created Freedom Gives, an initiative that selects a foundation or charity that is inspirational to an FBC member. We are deeply honored Gabriel’s Light has been chosen as the charity for the season. The boat’s name has been chosen as well - Gabriel’s Light - and it will set sail on May 16. This day is especially impactful for Gabriel’s parents, Carol Hufford Deely and Brendan Deely, as Gabriel loved the water and boating. Carol is the president and congress-founder of Gabriel’s Light, and the Deely family have been active FBC members since 2015. 

“We are thrilled that FBC has selected Gabriel’s Light for this inaugural Freedom Gives season,” Carol said. “After losing our 12 year-old son Gabriel to suicide in 2018, we founded Gabriel’s Light in 2019 to create suicide and mental health awareness, as well as prevention initiatives to end youth suicide with education, cyber safety and kindness campaigns.” 

FBC will highlight the addition of Gabriel’s Light in their newsletters and other mailings throughout the season. The boat will be available for club events, and will be a welcome addition to Montrose Harbor as long as the boat is in the fleet. This important initiative brings mental health and suicide  awareness not only to the boating population, it can prompt honest conversations about the different “waves” of mental health, and how people can draw strength from compassion, express their emotions and bring awareness to those who struggle daily. 

Marine biologist and author Dr. Wallace J. Nichols summarizes the scientific and positive connections of boating, water and happiness:

 Boating is: 

  • A “reset” for the brain: Due to the pandemic, Americans took less vacations. Now more than ever, people need to restore their minds. Being on the water has been shown to offer relaxation, restoration and happiness, along with exercise, social interaction, and a connection with nature. 

  • Meditative: Time spent in nature, especially when it involves water, is a valuable way to offset the stresses of daily living and working. 

  • Awe inspiring: Water is one of the best sources of wonder, and boats help us to experience this feeling. The ability to “leave” ourselves encourages renewed purpose, deeper compassion and consistent self-worth. 

Boating:

 • Promotes play and encourages creativity: One of the best remedies to stress is play. Water sports and aquatic activities trigger the release of endorphins, also known as the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. 

Appeals to our senses: The mere sight of water can induce a flood of neurochemicals that promote wellness. A lifelong relationship to water, facilitated through boating, brings vast cognitive, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual benefits for people of all ages and abilities. 

For the 2021 sailing season, FBC members and those who sail on Gabriel's Light will be able to donate directly to Gabriel’s Light. Donations are tax deductible. 


For more information, please contact Scott Ward or Carol Hufford Deely.

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About Gabriel's Light

In 2019, Carol and Brendan Deely founded Gabriel’s Light in honor of their son who died by suicide at age 12. In honor of Gabe and all those lost to suicide, they share their journey with the hope that others may learn and grow from their tragedy. Focusing on three pillars of cyber safety, suicide prevention, and kindness campaigns, through outreach, programs, partnerships, and funding, they raise awareness and inspire youth, parents, and educators to take action and help forward their mission.







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