On behalf of my family, I want to first say – THANK YOU!! Thank you to all who’ve contributed to the Piedt Family Scholarship Fund these last few years, far exceeding our expectations. Below is our impact report to share:

For some history, this scholarship fund was birthed in response to the tragic drowning and death of my 5-year-old niece, Aria Grace Piedt, in 2020. We raise funds that provide assistance for children to learn how to swim and increase awareness on the importance of Water Safety and Drowning Prevention programs. Our primary initiative has been offering free, week-long swim instructions for non-swimming youth who cannot afford private or group lessons. The non-profit we’ve partnered with is the YMCA of South Palm Beach County. There are no words to describe the leadership team and staff who’ve executed our initiative – we are forever grateful for their passion and dedication to this important cause.

After having two successful swim weeks in May and August with 158 boys and girls, here are some wonderful facts and figures to report over the last three years:

• Funds Raised: over $75,000.

• Lives impacted: 394 children (ages 3-11) have attended fully underwritten swim weeks and received goggles, a backpack full of swim gear, and more importantly, life-saving swim lessons by certified swim instructors at the Peter Blum YMCA of Boca Raton. This provides them the confidence to overcome their fears and play safely in and around the water.

• Publicity: The Boca Times & West Boca Times wrote articles as well WPTV channel 5 News promoted our first swim week.

• Next Swim Week: mid-late December (dates TBD based on demand and holiday schedule.)

Our call to action: We need your advocacy and help. Accidental drowning is the leading cause of death in Florida for children ages 4 and under. To continue our fully underwritten swim weeks & financial aid for private lessons, please consider making a generous donation to the Piedt Family Swim Scholarship Fund. Know that as a donor-designated fund of the YMCA SPBC, 100% of your dollars are specifically going to financial-assisted families who cannot otherwise afford the YMCA’s swim & drowning-prevention programs via this scholarship fund.

Be an advocate for the YMCA. Be an advocate for Aria.

Gratefully,

- Philip Piedt on behalf of the Piedt Family