Providing the therapeutic benefits of sailing and boating for people with disabilities, recovering warriors, and youth from underserved communities.
Vision: To provide boating and wellness programs that improve mental health, physical well-being, and a feeling of belonging for anyone with a disability, recovering warriors, and children from underserved communities. We will continue to create more opportunities for our sailing athletes with disabilities to sail competitively.
Community Impact:
In 2024, CRAB partnered with 65 community nonprofit organizations, nearly doubling the number that benefited from CRAB’s programs in 2023. CRAB hosted 96 sailing events and 15 power catamaran events. More than 1,800 guests enjoyed the beauty of the Adaptive Boating Center’s tranquil and scenic environment. The programs and partnerships CRAB fosters has served to grow community awareness and appreciation throughout the region.
Personal Impact: CRAB
increased its activities by 50% in 2024. Guests continue to gain confidence in their abilities as they learn to sail while CRAB has greatly expanded its capacity for more guests. Dream Catcher, CRAB’s 40’ power catamaran, provides guests the option to enjoy the water without leaving the comfort of their wheelchair. Wellness programs are held all year so guests can remain active, creative, and social while enjoying a fully accessible environment.
From the President
More programs for more people, as planned
The year 2024 for Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating was highly anticipated and overwhelmingly successful thanks to the planning and hard work of the Board of Directors, staff and commitment of our incredible volunteers. Simply stated, we offered more programs to more people than ever in CRAB’s long and illustrious 33-year history. An extensive amount of planning went into maximizing the use of the expanded CRAB fleet of Beneteau First 22A sailboats, radio-controlled sailboats, and our latest addition to the fleet a 40’ power catamaran named “Dream Catcher.” In addition, a comprehensive schedule of wellness programs was conducted indoors and on the lawn of the 100% accessible and sustainable Adaptive Boating Center.
One guest who I greeted while she waited to go sailing told me that she just wanted to cry. I was concerned that we may have done something wrong, but my fears were misplaced. When I asked her why, she looked directly at me and said, “Why can’t every place be this accessible?” I didn’t want to bore her with all of the excruciating details of what it took to plan, design, and build the CRAB ABC, not to mention money, so I simply said it was our goal from the very beginning to build the premier Adaptive Boating Center in the country and we never deviated from our vision. Even two years since the ribbon-cutting, the most common remark from guests is, “This place is so beautiful,” which should make everyone supporting CRAB very proud. Since the beginning, CRAB programs have been offered free of charge to guests. Principally because the vast majority of people with disabilities have less money than the average person. Which is why CRAB’s business model is very dependent upon the generous donations and grants from individuals, foundations, and organizations.
As you read CRAB’s 2024 Annual Report, please keep in mind that we have made a huge impact on the quality of life for thousands of people who would not have this opportunity if it were not for your support and the selfless dedication of our volunteers. For this we thank you with all of our hearts and hope you will make CRAB a priority in your annual giving this year.
Warmest Regards,
Paul “Bo” Bollinger Jr President & CEO
1,843 GUESTS SERVED
111 SAILING/ BOATING EVENTS
7 MONTHS OF SAILING 1,048 DONORS
306 PROGRAM HOURS
5,323 VOLUNTEER HOURS
151 VOLUNTEERS
50 SPONSORS
65 NONPROFIT PARTNERS
Creating a Ripple Effect of Positive Change CRAB PROGRAMS
CRAB offered more therapeutic programs than in any previous year, introducing seven new programs and hosting 123 events. New for 2024 were CRAB’s wellness programs, which keep guests engaged physically, mentally, and socially year-round.
CRAB guest Tommy Shawhan is an avid music lover and always looks forward to the Jam Sessions at the ABC. Tommy’s mother, Mary Shawhan says, “It’s the best part of Tommy’s day because it gives him the opportunity to get out and explore his interest with other people in a social and friendly environment.” CRAB is thrilled to have the ability to provide guests and their families with accessible facilities and resources free of charge throughout the year.
Young visitors learn about radio-controlled sailboats
Volunteers, guests, and caregivers are all smiles when they sail with CRAB.
Spotlight on Guests
Providing Creative Solutions to Challenges: MAX LASKO
CRAB guest Max Lasko, a fourth grader, and his family set sail with CRAB for the first time in 2024, and his experience was the epitome of adaptability. In 2013, Max was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a disease that stunts muscle mass and causes difficulties eating and breathing. CRAB’s Beneteau 22As seats were not suitable for Max due to his lack of muscle, so CRAB came up with another solution. A bean bag chair was positioned in the cockpit and Max was able to comfortably settle into it while resting his upper body against his mom. Max’s father, Jonathan Lasko remarked, “CRAB is fully optimized. It’s truly incredible. Not only was the experience therapeutic for Max, but for his mom and me, too.”
Unlocking Potential Amplifying Impact THE CRAB CUP
The award-winning and highly anticipated CRAB Cup is CRAB’s largest fundraiser of the year. CRAB’s sailing athletes with disabilities compete against 18 other classes of boats. CRAB guest and volunteer Christopher Carbery participated in last year’s CRAB Cup. He described his experience, “I like the challenge of sailing and the feeling of accomplishment! It lets me forget I am autistic or have other intrusive thoughts. I just have to concentrate on sailing. It’s very freeing for me that way.” On August 17th, 104 boats competed in the pursuit start and poker pursuit races, and more than 600 sailors and supporters attended the shore party. The 2024 event raised $250,000 between the Skipper’s Challenge, a peer-to-peer fundraising competition, a silent auction, and corporate sponsorships. This year’s 19th annual CRAB Cup will be held on August 16th and is guaranteed to be a great time for all!
Community Partners & Volunteers
COMMUNITY
SAILING, BOATING, & WELLNESS
PARTNERS
AACO Police
Annapolis City Police
Annapolis Music Therapy
ARC of Baltimore
ARC of Central
Chesapeake
ARC of Southern Maryland
Arundel Lodge
Abilities Network
Abilities Network/ Frederick
BayWoods of Annapolis
Bello Machre
Bennett Blazers
Boundless Edventures
Boys & Girls Club
Central Special School
Cindy Fletcher
Holden Art Classes
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
ChesterWye Center
DC VA Medical Center
Emerge
Gigi’s Playhouse
Global Wellness
Harbour House
Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies Vets
Helix Healthcare
Heritage Harbor
Therapeutic Jam Session
I AM ALS
Impossible Dream
Kennedy Krieger
Kids In Action
Langton Green
Main Street Connection
Mindful Wellbeing Yoga
Montgomery County Stroke Group
Move United
PG Parks & Recreation
Progress Unlimited
Pursuit Adaptive
Sports
Opportunity Builder, Inc (OBI)
OPB
Rockville Amputee Group
Seeds 4 Success
Southern Maryland Center for Independent Living (SMCIL)
Spina Bifida of the Eastern Shore
Spring Dell
Walter Reed
National Military
Medical Center and Fort Belvoir
Wounded Warrior Project
VOLUNTEERS
Tim Abrams
Elizabeth Ackerman
Jonathan Adams
Kathy Anderson
Matt Baker
Amir Bamdad
Ann Bastian
Mark Bertacchi
Linda Bitterfeld
Liz Bollinger
Tara Boogaerts
Craig Braverman
Ange Brock
Nancy Bromberg
Mitch Buchman
Emily Burton
John Cantrick
Christopher Carbery
Patrick Casey
Cynthia Chadwell
Mark Chapin
David Chimera
Jard Chiu-Rourman
Davd Chui
Donna Clapp
Bill Coccoli
Christine Collins
Pamela Corwin
Will Crump
Matthew Davis
Daniel Delly
Michael Derby
William Dick
Michelle Dina
Justin Disborough
Jason Duncan
Dennis Dunn
Emily Eastman
Allie Eberhardt
John Enderle
Mimi Engelsman
David Enos
Bill Erickson
Denise Ertel
Bob Esposti
Tripp Ewers
Doug Fineberg
Nancy Fineberg
Greg Flanigan
Bill Folkerts
Shelly Ford
Caroline Foster
Bob Freeman
Madonna Gambrell
Kristal Garcia
Chris Gildea
Scott Gitchell
Aaron Goldmann
Ben Gonser
Jack Gonser
JT Gonser
Sloane Gonser
Janet Gonski
Keith Goode
Ed Gray
Linda Gray
Peggy Greenwell
Sandy Grosvenor
Patti Haburchak
Dillon Hale
Jeff Halpern
Amy Harris
Nina Harris
Downey Hinrichs
Lindsey Hinrichs
Jacquie Hogan
Tommy Holmes
Mike Huddleston
Bob Huebner
David Jackson
Rosanne Jacuzzi
Donovan Johnson
Kathryn Jordan
Anne Kaiser
Paul Kaladas
Michael Kallmeyer
Andy Katz
John Kelley
James Kiley
Mark Killorin
Cynthia Krewson
Alan Krusinger
Paul LaBossiere
Walt Laird
Maude Laurence
Carol Lazzaro
Bill Levatino
Craig Ligibel
Marina Loewen
Rueben Loewen
Stephen Lord
Heather Ludovici
Debra Lund
Martin Lutsky
Margie Magill
Michael Manuzak
Joel McCord
Pete McDevitt
Grazia Mieren
June Misner
Erin Montenegro
Tim Mooney
Ed Morgan
Bob Morrow
Carl Mott
Charles Neighbor
Jim Nolan
Bob O’Neill
Phil Ourisson
Steven Palmer
Glenn Parker
Laurie Pasnak-Park
Kelly Patterson
Jane Pelly
Paul Perdue
Scott Peters
Jeff Poehler
Mary Pratt
Marie Richardson
Tracey Richter
Warren Richter
Danny Rick
Ed Riehl
Sarah Riehl
Daniel Ritchey
Steve Ritterbush
Lyn Rockhill
John Rogers
Chris Rohrer
Lon Rosenberg
Beth Rossman
Peter Rowny
Sheila Rowny
Rich Saad
Ava Sale
Don Santa
Vicki Saporta
Art Savage
Leo Scanlon
Catherine Schaaf
Ingrid Schonfield
Alex Schonfield
Jenn Shea
Michelle Sheckells
Skip Shipman
Jon Slabaugh
Corinne Smith
Eileen Smith
Rebecca Smith
Kelly Soluri
Michael Sommer
Fred Stielow
Brian Stodd
John Straus
Ken Szekretar
Carol Tabak
Kay Tunney
George Turner
Paul Van Cleve
Skip Wallace
Arnie Wallenstein
Trey Warman
Richard Wehrmann
Ken Weise
Lisa Werre
Jeff West
Joanne White
Dick White
Beau Whitney
Suzanne Whitney
Laura Wiegmann
Ellen Wisnosky
Tom Wisnosky
Bill York
Mike Zapf
Scott Zinke
Ton Zwaard
CRAB FLEET DIRECTORS
Jim Barnes
Dan Flagler
Walt Laird
George Pappas
Dan Pendergast
Tom Spitzer
2022 – 2024 OPERATING FINANCIALS
Looking Ahead
Building Legacy and Impact
CRAB’s growth has been exceptional and exponential since moving into the Adaptive Boating Center (ABC) two years ago. CRAB served 50% more guests in 2024 and the ABC will continue to be a magnate for future growth. To ensure that CRAB programs remain free of charge to guests, CRAB created an endowment in 2022 to support the mission and vision for the future. Endowment funds provide important financial security for CRAB and can be critical during economic fluctuations. The endowment fund has increased steadily and will have greater prominence in future fundraising. Your consideration and support of the CRAB endowment fund is greatly appreciated.
In 2025, CRAB will host a Special Olympics Demonstration Sailing event September 5th - 7th. We look forward to working with Special Olympics Maryland, Virginia, and Anne Arundel County to make this a memorable and rewarding event for athletes.
Thanks to the Bill Simpson Foundation for their generous sponsorship.
