The First Mates organization is the ladies auxiliary of the Ford Yacht Club. We operate the Ship Store gift shop and hold fundraisers for the benefit of the children's activities in the club. We traditionally hold an Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween Pumpkin Party, and Christmas Party. The First Mates is a terrific way to meet new friends. We meet once a month in the boardroom and all ladies are welcome. Ship’s Store Don't forget to volunteer a few hours of your time to keep the store open. Call Mary Hall, Ship's Store Manager, for the current schedule. 2008 Wednesday, January 9 - Meeting 7:00 pm February -- Club Closed - no meeting Sunday February 24 - Spaghetti Dinner First Mates Membership Drive Wednesday, March 12 - Meeting 7:00 pm Sunday, March 16 - Children's Easter Party 12:00 Noon Wednesday, April 9 - Meeting 7:00 pm Wednesday, May 7 - 'Wine, Women and Shopping' 5:30-9:30 pm Wednesday, May 14 - Meeting 7:00 pm Summer Break Wednesday, September 10 - Meeting 7:00 pm Fri., Sat. and Sun., October 3,4,5 - Saugatuck," Ladie's Fall Get Away" Wednesday, October 8 - Meeting 7:00 pm Saturday, October 18 - Children's Halloween Party 12:00 Noon Wednesday, November 12 - Meeting 7:00 pm Sunday, November 23 - Decorate Club for the Holidays 12:00 Noon Wednesday, December 10 - Meeting 7:00 pm Saturday, December 13 - Children's Christmas Party 12:00 Noon Sunday, January 4, 2009 - take down Christmas decorations The First Mates organization was formed in 1959. The formation was strictly as a venue for the wives to become involved in the club. Although it is still a women's organization, it has developed and grown into an auxiliary organization that welcomes gentlemen as boosters and encourages all women who are members or companions of members to join and participate. The First Mates run the Ship's Store which is located in the hallway of Ford Yacht Club. Our store carries not only nautical gifts and Ford Yacht club clothing but first aid kits, pump out fittings, burgees and various other boating necessities. All proceeds from the sale of items are used to support the children's events that are held each year. These traditionally include an Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween Pumpkin Decorating Party and a Christmas Party complete with Santa and gifts. We hold a major fashion show each year and decorate the club house for Christmas. Our organization also supports various committees with donations whenever possible. Additional funds at the end of each fiscal year are used to purchase items for the club house or donated to the club as additional funds used to purchase major items such as the large screen television. We offer work hours if you help at an event or help in the Ship's Store. Unless otherwise noted, we hold open meetings on the second Wednesday of the months of January, March, April, May, September, October and November at 7:00 p.m. in the upstairs conference room (see First Mates calendar). We enjoy having demonstrations or informative discussions on topics of interest at the meetings. Please submit any suggestion you may have. We also act as a representative for the needs of the women and children at Ford Yacht Club and will take issues and requests to the Commodores and/or the Board of Directors. I encourage you to attend whenever possible. It is a great way to meet other members. We need your help getting ready for events and during the events. Yearly membership is only $10.00 each for the First Mates and for Male Boosters. Please join us! Sincerely, Jackie Morabito First Mates President 2008