Turning Sailboats into Second Chances: How Silver Support Foundation Works

Most nonprofits ask for money. We ask for sailboats.

I'm Del, founder of Silver Support Foundation, and I started this organization because I saw two problems that could solve each other. On one side, there are seniors - many of them veterans like me - who are trapped in their homes because they can't afford a walker. Who are skipping meals to pay for medical supplies. Who need basic dignity items that Medicare and Medicaid simply won't cover.

On the other side, there are sailboats sitting unused in slips and backyards across the country. Beautiful vessels that once meant freedom to their owners but now just represent slip fees, maintenance headaches, and guilt.

Here's How It Works

Our model is straightforward: we accept donated sailboats 25 feet or greater that are in at least almost sail-ready condition - meaning it won't take much effort to retrieve the boat and sail her back. We refurbish them to fully sailing-ready status and sell them to enthusiastic new owners. Then we use 100% of the proceeds to directly purchase items that struggling seniors desperately need.

I'm talking about walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters that give people mobility. Diabetic supplies, wound care items, and medical equipment. Toiletries, personal care products, and foot care. Home health aide services. Even food when someone is truly going without.

These aren't luxuries. These are the basics of human dignity - and for too many elderly Americans, especially veterans who served this country, they're out of reach.

Why Sailboats?

I'm a 20-year Navy veteran with a background in systems engineering, and I've spent years refurbishing sailboats. I know what I'm looking for, I know what I can fix, and I know how to get a good vessel ready for her next adventure without breaking the bank.

When you donate your sailboat to Silver Support Foundation, you're not just getting rid of a boat you're not using. You're transforming it into independence for someone who has lost theirs. Your tax-deductible donation becomes tangible, immediate help for real people with real needs.

Don't Worry About Distance

I know what you're thinking: "My boat is too far away." That's not a problem. From Maine to Miami and even Key West, I personally see to it that donated boats are brought back to the Gulf Coast, hauled, refurbished, and sold to a new owner who will love and care for the boat as you had.

I handle the logistics. You don't have to figure out transportation, you don't have to worry about the details. Your boat will make the journey safely, and she'll find someone who appreciates what she is and what she can become.

Zero Administrative Overhead

Here's something else that sets us apart: I run this organization with zero administrative costs eating into donations. Every penny from every boat sale goes directly to helping seniors. No fancy offices, no bloated salaries, no "operational expenses" that mysteriously consume most of the donation.

Just boats becoming help. Simple as that.

A Special Focus on Veterans

As a veteran myself, I have a particular soft spot for elderly vets who are struggling. These are people who gave years of their lives in service to this country, and now they're choosing between food and medical supplies. That's not right, and it's not how we should treat the people who wore the uniform.

When we can help a veteran regain mobility, maintain their health, or simply live with dignity in their final years, that's mission success in my book.

How You Can Help

If you have a sailboat 25 feet or greater that you're not using - one that's in at least almost sail-ready condition, even if she needs some work - consider donating her to Silver Support Foundation. I'll handle the logistics, the refurbishment, and the sale. You'll get the tax deduction and the satisfaction of knowing exactly how many seniors your donation helped.

Your sailboat's next voyage could be the most meaningful one she ever takes.

Contact us at silversupportfoundation@proton.me to discuss your donation.

Del
Founder, Silver Support Foundation