On Saturday, September 4th, a tragic accident occurred on board a boat that was participating in the 54th 'Round the Island Race and Don "Donzo" Wilkinson of Noank was fatally injured. Don was a much-loved sailor, active in the Ram Island Yacht Club and a founder of the Mystic River Mudhead Sailing Association. Understandably, this event has badly shaken the sailing community around Fishers Island Sound and well beyond.
Information about Donzo and the accident are available from the New London Day website and via Facebook (search for "Remembering Donzo").
Donzo and his wife Anne's two children, Ben and Sarah (ages 16 and 10), attend the Fishers Island School and are important members of our community. As a way to support the Wilkinson family at this devastating time, the Fishers Island Yacht Club is working with St. John's Church and other Island organizations to establish the Wilkinson Scholarship Fund.
Our goal is to raise $50,000 to support tuition for both children at the Fishers Island School through high school graduation and to provide scholarship assistance for college as well. The Fishers Island Yacht Club board of governors has voted to initiate the fundraising with a gift of $5,000.
Checks should be made payable to St. John's Church – Wilkinson Fund and mailed to Box 1051, Norwich, CT 06360. All gifts are tax deductible.
Fundraising for the family's living expenses is taking place on the mainland. We hope that Fishers Islanders and friends will support the Wilkinson family through their children’s education.
In advance, thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Fishers Island Friends of the Wilkinson Family
