FAQs About LCI
Q: What is Lighthouse Charities, Inc?
A: In 2001, the Oklahoma City Boat Club created a separate non-profit public charity
organization which hosts an annual charity regatta to support its sailing programs. It has
501(c)(3) tax deductible status as a public charity. Its volunteers seek underwriting and in-kind donations for meals, entertainment and the regatta.
Q: When is the 2022 Lighthouse Charity Regatta taking place?
A: June 25-26
Q: Does Lighthouse Charities, Inc. have a paid administrative staff?
A: No, LCI is organized entirely by volunteers, primarily OCBC members. The only employees are hired to teach/coach for the sailing programs sponsored by LCI.
Q: How much money has LCI raised in the past?
A: Over the first 15-16 years, LCI distributed over $325,000 to Oklahoma City community charity beneficiaries and a few small grants. Income raised from the meals, T-shirt sales, and regatta entry fees covers almost all the expenses of the event. Beginning in 2016, the proceeds and other donations throughout the year are primarily allocated to support of sailing education, and adult, collegiate and youth sailing programs.
Q: Who were the beneficiaries?
A: The Board approved the amount of proceeds distributed each year to one or two Oklahoma City agencies whose primary purpose is to benefit the children of the community and any small grants that are consistent with the corporation’s purpose and mission. The primary beneficiary received approximately two-thirds of the distribution and the secondary beneficiary received approximately one-third of the total amount distributed each year. The following year, the secondary beneficiary became the primary and a new secondary beneficiary was selected. As interest in sailing programs, lessons and camps increased, the LCI Board approved discontinuing distributing most of the net proceeds to outside organizations and retaining the net proceeds for allocation determined by the Board to support the maintenance and purchase of
boats, equipment and other expenses to provide education and organized sailing instruction for adults, collegiate and youth sailors as well as hosting collegiate regattas and other opportunities for sailing competition.
Q: What are the education and sailing programs?
A: Lighthouse Charities, Inc. owns a fleet of Optis, Zests and 420s sailboats that are used primarily by the youth and collegiate sailors for participation in sailing camps or collegiate instruction for approved collegiate teams. In addition, a women’s sailing program is authorized to use the Zests and 420s. A program for beginning and improving sailing skills is being formed for all adults.
Q: How are donors recognized for their contributions?
A: Donors of $2500 and up (Gold Fleet) will have their name posted on the event board at the Oklahoma City Boat Club (all year), and name or logo posted on the LCI web site, and all event mailings as well as displaying any donor-furnished banner during the regatta. Also, they will receive four (4) tickets for the Saturday night dinner and entertainment, and two (2) event T-shirts.
Donors of $1000 - 2499 (Silver Fleet) will have their name posted on the event board at the Oklahoma City Boat Club, the LCI web site, and all event mailings. Also, they will receive two (2) tickets for the Saturday night dinner and entertainment, and one (1) event T-shirt.
Donors of $500 - $999 (Blue Fleet) will have their name posted on the event board at the Oklahoma City Boat Club, the LCI website, and all event mailings. They will receive one (1) ticket to the Saturday night dinner and entertainment and one (1) event T-shirt.
Donors of $250-499 (Red Fleet) will have their name posted on the event board at the
Oklahoma City Boat Club, the LCI website, and all event mailings. They will receive one (1) ticket to the Saturday dinner and entertainment, or one (1) event T-shirt.
Donors of up to $250 (White Fleet) will be posted on the LCI website as well as on event mailings.
​
Q: What is the Lake Hefner Challenge Cup (LHCC)?
A: Lake Hefner Challenge Cup is two races on Saturday June 18, 2022 between competitors of eligible boat designs which have donated a minimum aggregate of $500. Individual donors receive donor benefits, if any, based upon their individual donation.
​
Q: Does LCI have a website?
A: Yes, www.okclighthouse.org.
Q: How can I donate or pay to register to compete in the regatta?
A: Lighthouse Charities, Inc. accepts cash, checks or credit card.
Q: Do I receive a tax receipt for my donation?
A: Lighthouse Charities, Inc. sends a thank you letter to its donors, and a tax receipt to donors of a minimum of $250. Lighthouse Charities, Inc. cannot value of any in-kind donation but will provide a tax receipt describing the donation.