March 6, 2008, Annapolis, MD: The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) Foundation was pleased to present the first ever "Junior" Bunzl Award to Miguel Cabarello-Perez during ABYC's 2008 Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation held on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 in Miami, FL.

Established by the ABYC Foundation, the Bunzl Boating Safety Award has traditionally been presented to an individual in recognition of singular acts of great personal sacrifice or heroism in the saving of life or vessel at sea or for extraordinary contributions to the safety of the boating public. However, the ABYC Foundation has recently formed positive connections with the Shake-a-Leg program in Miami, which helps children and adults with physical, developmental and economic challenges; liberating them from the realm of imagination into the realm of experience.

From Left to Right: Joe Charles, ABYC Foundation Chair, Miguel Cabarello-Perez and Skip Burdon, ABYC President

Because of Miguel's connection and involvement in boating through the Shake-A-Leg program, the Foundation Board presented him with a Junior Bunzl Award for his courageous and swift action that resulted in the rescue of his cousin from a possible drowning accident in Miami, FL. Without concern for his personal safety and using the safety skills that he was taught in the Shake-A-Leg swimming and sailing program, Miguel saved the life of the young boy. His rapid response and unselfish deeds helped save his family from a devastating tragedy.

In addition to receiving a crystal plaque from the ABYC Foundation, Nancy Botero, Executive Director of the Broward Community College Foundation was on-hand to present Miguel with a $1,000 scholarship to Broward Community College in recognition of his heroic actions. BCC is another partner of the ABYC Foundation, and recently established a marine management program with the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and the ABYC.

"On behalf of the ABYC Foundation, I was thrilled to be able to recognize Miguel and the Shake-A-Leg program in this way," commented Joe Charles, ABYC Foundation Chair and President of Charles Industries. "Everyone who attended the Annual Meeting was moved by Miguel's determination and optimism, and as a Foundation, we are proud to support the Shake-A-Leg mission of making dreams come true and enabling people to achieve their goals through boating."

Skip Burdon, President of ABYC and Secretary of the ABYC Foundation stated, "The ABYC Foundation supports not only ABYC, but other organizations that better the industry through education, standards and safety - such as the Shake-A-Leg program and the BCC. Together, our organizations are leveraging their strengths and resources to address a need for qualified employees in the marine industry, while also empowering challenged individuals to develop the skills needed to reach their highest potential."

A restricted use account has been set up by the ABYC Foundation in support of special programs, such as the Shake-A-Leg program and the BCC marine technology program. Funds raised will enable the ABYC Foundation to continue to fulfill its mission of bettering the industry through education, standards and safety. Tax-deductible donations to support the meaningful work of ABYC and these other important programs can be made directly to the ABYC Foundation and mailed to:

The ABYC Foundation (please note which program you would like to support)
613 Third Street, Ste. 10
Annapolis, MD 21403

For further information on Shake-A-Leg, please visit www.shakealegmiami.org. For additional information on the BCC marine program, visit www.broward.edu.

The ABYC Foundation is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization that was established in 1988 to raise funds and provide support for special projects, education and training programs, scholarships and other initiatives being undertaken by the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC). The Foundation's efforts on behalf of ABYC address marine excellence across the board, and are designed to promote and foster boating safety. For more information on the ABYC Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.abycinc.org.

Editor's Note: High-resolution images are available of the award recipient in electronic format. Contact Caroline Chetelat (see top of page).