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Lightning Class Association
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Date: 3/9/2026
Subject: Fuel The Flash 2030 Advisory Board
From: International Lightning Class Association


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Since the kick-off of Fuel The Flash 2030  last fall, we (co-chairs Bob Shapiro and Bertie Werley) have been so encouraged by the amazing generosity of the Class.  At the same time, being somewhat new to fundraising, we felt it was imperative that we get guidance and oversight on stewardship and expenditure of the funds being raised, as well as on best practices in fundraising.  As a result, we have established a Fuel the Flash 2030 Advisory Board.

Their impact has already been impactful, providing strategic insight and tactical guidance, outreach leadership, and philanthropic inspiration to help the Lightning Class sustain its mission: keeping Lightning sailing vibrant, inclusive, and competitive for generations to come.
The Advisory Board meets approximately every 6 weeks, reviews updates on fundraising progress and plans, and provides input and feedback. In between meetings the Board engages with the team via email.

We appreciate these four volunteers who are giving back to the Lightning Class by sharing their expertise, their time and their money – together they have donated or pledged over $150,000 to the campaign.  They each bring their own unique set of experiences and expertise, and we'd like to introduce them to you.
 
Pete Denton has been involved in the Lightning Class for over 35 years. The Audrey and Peter Denton Family Foundation provided $25,00 in matching funds in 2025, and Pete is also funding half of the 2026 $50,000 Matching challenge. 
 
Pete’s philanthropy has included many sailing-related causes, and also includes an emphasis on education reform. Pete has his own unofficial local boat grant program which provides a Lightning for young sailors at Riverton Yacht Club in New Jersey.
Sandra Peterson More grew up in Lightnings. Her father, David Peterson, was a world-class Lightning sailor 50 years ago.  Sandra has recently returned to her Lightning roots and can be seen crewing on Lightnings at Niantic Bay Yacht Club. Sandra has pledged $10,000 per year for 5 years to purchase a Boat Grant boat, sails, trailer, and covers in honor of her father’s memory. The grant boat will be named Tenacity. 
 
Sandra has years of philanthropic experience, supporting causes related to mental health and poverty. She now supports young Lightning sailors due to the Lightnings’ positive impact on her life. She is on 7 Boards and consults on grant writing and fundraising.
Lauren Darby Zike just started sailing in the Lightning Class in 2025, but brings a wealth of offshore sailing experience to the boat. She's got over 10,000 blue water miles on a variety of vessels, including tall ships, catamarans, and mid-sized race boats. Lauren has sailed from Mexico to Hawaii, Boston to Key West, and Florida to the Azores in addition to competing in full crewed and short-handed races in Boston, Newport, Marblehead, and Portsmouth. 

Lauren’s interest in sailing extends to her career, which focuses on web design and development, marketing, social media, photography, videography, and fundraising. A recent Magenta Project mentee, Lauren has worked for a Vendée Globe campaign, a La Solitaire du Figaro sailor, and two sailing based non-profits, Sea Education Association and Sail For Epilepsy. Lauren is new to Lightnings but has already raced local regattas and the NAs and sailed the Helly Hansen in St Petersburg in February.
 
Mike Huffman’s Lightning sailing began with his family at the Buffalo Canoe Club in woody built by Cayuga Boat works in the 1960’s. In 1974 he assumed the helm of Yo-yo (11450). Mike moved to Chicago in 1981 and helped rebuild Fleet 5 at the Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club.
 
He served as Class President from 1991 to 1993. The first of three sons arrived for Mike and wife Meg a few weeks after his term ended. A career change from options trader to financial advisor inspired a move from Chicago to Burlington, VT in 1996.
 
Mike is a member of Fleet 301, the Mallets Bay Boat Club, but spends most summer weekends racing Lasers on Lake George. Having been involved as a leader at the fleet and international class levels decades ago, Mike is excited to be back in a new boat and to be active in the ILCA!
 
To learn more about ways you can contribute to the effort to sustainably grow our class and help ensure the future of Lightnings contact Bertie Werley (bertie.werley@gmail.com) or Bob Shapiro (finallybk@gmail.com).  Thank you for your support!
 
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