Ye Mystic Krew of Santa Margarita Foundation, Inc.

Ruling Date: January 2007

Bill Fisher
President

Rick Amorose
Director

Phil Hester
Director

What is a 501(c)(3) organization?

A 501(c)(3) is type of incorporation that is used to set up a charitable corporation. A charitable company is a type of company that is set up with the intention of providing a service to the community, rather than making a profit. Incorporating a company makes it a legal entity, responsible for its actions in the community. This is important, as it removes a great deal of the responsibility from the person who is starting the company. If you start a 501(c)(3) company, you want the legal liability for possible damages to be the responsibility of the 501(c)(3) corporation so that your personal possessions are safe from creditors.

Public charities constitute the majority of 501(c)(3) organizations, with private foundations also falling under this category. To be recognized as a public charity, your nonprofit must be organized and operated for purposes that are beneficial to the public interest. These purposes include

The organization must not operate for the benefit of a private person. Upon dissolution, its assets must be distributed to another 501(c)(3) charity. It is not allowed to engage in any partisan political activity. Lobbying is accepted but cannot be a substantial part of its activities. Public charities are the only tax-exempt organizations that can receive tax-deductible donations.

YMKSM Foundation, Inc.
Supported Charity

In 1996 a group of inspired businessmen and friends from Clearwater, Florida were inspired to provide a day of fishing for handicapped kids. After presenting their idea to the City they generously agreed to make Pier 60 available for the "kickoff" of the 1st Fishing Tournament for Special Kids. With donations of money, equipment, food and volunteers time Make A Difference hosted a day of fishing for 58 special kids.

Over the years Make A Difference Fishing Tournament has grown to accommodate over 1,000 handicapped and special needs participants in our annual fishing tournaments.

By 2002, the interest and number of participants in the Make A Difference Fishing Tournaments had grown. Two annual tournaments are now underway at Pier 60 for "special anglers." The first, Saturday in October for "special anglers" under 18 years old and then in November for "special anglers" 18 years and older.

Forming a coalition with the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), the largest sport fishing organization in the world, headquartered in Dania, Florida, Make A Difference co-hosted it's first annual joint Make A Difference/IGFA Fishing Tournament for Special Kids in June of 2002 at Dania Beach, FL. Another new event is the City of Largo's annual Spring tournament held at the Largo Park Preserve. The lake's water is crystal clear allowing the anglers a special view of freshwater marine life in its natural setting.

Recently The Port of Manatee Fish Hatchery teamed up with Make A Difference allowing our volunteers to construct a special dock along side its overflow pond to accommodate handicapped kids. With a pond filled with fish our "special anglers" get excited with every cast. After lunch the kids are treated to a tour of the hatchery and feed the fish in the holding ponds.

Make A Difference began a partnership with Clearwater Marine Aquarium as a supporter of the "Full Circle Program". "Full Circle" utilizes the resources of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to educate, motivate, and entertain special needs children.

Make A Difference represents much more today than it did a decade ago. With partnerships formed our goals are to organize more fishing tournaments, marine education and other programs that facilitate handicapped and special needs kids throughout Florida. Make A Difference organization managed by a volunteer Board of Directors and supported by a 100% volunteer base. With no paid staff members all donations are applied toward the operation of all Make A Difference Fishing Tournaments and other programs for the kids.

Largo Park Tournament
April 3, 2010

Make a Difference Fishing is teaming up with help from our volunteers to get ready for one of our favorite events. The Largo Central Park Tournament is on Saturday, April 3, 2010. If you want to participate, download the registration form fill it out and mail it to:

Make A Difference Fishing Tournament
PO Box 16535
Clearwater, FL 33766

Registration opens at 8 AM on April 3rd. Make sure to register by 9:30 AM to be eligible for the prize drawing following the tournament.

Click here for Volunteers Page

15th Annual Clearwater Kid's Tournament on Pier 60
October 2, 2010

Make a Difference Fishing is teaming up with help from our volunteers to get ready for one our annual children's event. The Clearwater Kid's Tournament is on Saturday, October 2, 2010. If you want to participate, download the registration form fill it out and mail it to:

Make A Difference Fishing Tournament
PO Box 16535
Clearwater, FL 33766

Registration opens at 8 AM on October 2nd. Make sure to register by 9:30 AM to be eligible for the prize drawing following the tournament.

Click here for Volunteers Page

Annual Clearwater Adult Tournament on Pier 60
November 6, 2010

Make a Difference Fishing is teaming up with help from our volunteers to get ready for one our annual adult event. The Clearwater Adult Tournament is on Saturday, November 6, 2010. If you want to participate, download the registration form fill it out and mail it to:

Make A Difference Fishing Tournament
PO Box 16535
Clearwater, FL 33766

Registration opens at 8 AM on November 6th. Make sure to register by 9:30 AM to be eligible for the prize drawing following the tournament.

Click here for Volunteers Page

YMKSM Foundation, Inc.
Supported Charity

9th Annual YMCA Benefit Auction/Captain’s Party!
Thursday, April 15, 2010

The YMCA of the Suncoast – Clearwater Branch will host a Benefit Auction and Dinner at the Carlouel Yacht Club on Thursday, April 15th from 6:00-10:00 p.m. Tickets are just $25 each and include hors d'oeurves, a buffet dinner, and a live band. To purchase tickets now call 727-461-9622 or visit: http://www.ymcasuncoast.org/fishing

Join members and friends of the YMCA for a great night out while supporting a worthy cause - the YMCA Open Doors Financial Assistance Program. The Open Doors Program is our promise to the community that no one will be turned away from YMCA programs and services due to an inability to pay. Please help us raise money for the YMCA and enjoy a great night out complete with dinner, music and live and silent auctions featuring exciting trips, artwork, spa packages, jewelry, restaurant gift certificates and more. Purchase tickets at the Clearwater Branch YMCA or online: http://www.ymcasuncoast.org/fishing

All proceeds from both events benefit the YMCA Open Doors Financial Assistance Program. Pick up event brochures at the Clearwater Branch YMCA, West Marine, Bill Jackson's Shop for Adventure and at local bait shops. We look forward to seeing you there!

9th Annual SunTrust YMCA Clearwater Flats Fishing Classic
Friday, April 16, 2010

The 9th Annual YMCA Clearwater Flats Fishing Classic is coming up fast, and we hope you'll join us for this exciting event! The catch-and-release tournament will be held on Friday, April 16th. Categories include amateur angler and professional guide. Registration is just $100 per angler, or $1000 to reserve a professionally guided boat hosting up to three anglers. To register now, visit:http://www.ymcasuncoast.org/fishing

Whether you're in the boat, kayak, or a landlubber, this tournament is for you. This year, we'll be awarding over $1500 in CASH prizes. Targeted species include Snook, Trout and Redfish. Cash awards will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the Amateur Category for all three species:

1st Place Winners Each Receive $350

2nd Place Winners Each Receive $150

3rd Place Winners Each Receive $75

(all winners in the Pro Guide Category will receive plaques)

Each registered angler is invited to the Benefit Auction/Dinner at The Carlouel Yacht Club on Thursday, April 15th for angler check-in, rules, captain's meeting, and YMCA gift bags. For more information visit: http://www.ymcasuncoast.org/fishing

All proceeds from both events benefit the YMCA Open Doors Financial Assistance Program. Pick up event brochures at the Clearwater Branch YMCA, West Marine, Bill Jackson's Shop for Adventure and at local bait shops. We look forward to seeing you there!