The George "Kirk" Culbertson Legacy FundHonoring Our Past. Securing Our Future. For more than 30 years, the Downtown Sailing Center has been a place where people from all backgrounds and abilities can discover the joy of sailing, build confidence, find community, and experience freedom on the water. That legacy began with George "Kirk" Culbertson. | Kirk's leadership and charisma were the magic ingredients that kept people engaged. Kirk's inspiration still guides DSC, just with different people at the helm.
- A Friend and Former Member
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As one of the driving forces behind the founding of the DSC and its first Executive Director, Kirk helped transform a vision into reality. He believed that sailing should be accessible to everyone, regardless of experience, ability, or financial means. Through his leadership, determination, and welcoming spirit, he helped create the foundation of the organization we know today. To honor Kirk's extraordinary contributions and ensure that his vision continues to guide future generations, the DSC is proud to rename our endowment initiative the George "Kirk" Culbertson Legacy Fund. This endowment initiative is more than a fundraising effort. It is an investment in the future of accessible sailing and a commitment to preserving the values Kirk championed throughout his life. Building on Kirk's LegacyMany of the programs and traditions that define the DSC today were shaped during Kirk's leadership. His commitment to accessible sailing helped establish the DSC as a model for inclusion, and his belief in the power of community continues to be felt every day on our docks and on the water. The George "Kirk" Culbertson Legacy Fund honors not only what Kirk built, but what he inspired: a place where people belong, where barriers are removed, and where sailing changes lives. | Give Today. Leave a Legacy.Every gift helps strengthen the future of accessible sailing in Baltimore and honors the lasting impact of George "Kirk" Culbertson. Help us build the next 30 years — together. Make a Donation |
Be Part of the Next ChapterWhether you have been part of the DSC community for decades or are discovering us for the first time, your gift helps carry Kirk’s vision forward. We invite you to join us in honoring his legacy by supporting:
Together, we can ensure that the spirit Kirk brought to the DSC continues to inspire future sailors, volunteers, instructors, and community members for years to come. |
Create Your Own Legacy. |
Planned Giving Including the DSC in your will, trust, retirement plan, or life insurance policy to create a lasting legacy for future generations of sailors. |
Appreciated Securities Donating appreciated stocks, mutual funds, or other securities may allow you to avoid capital gains taxes while making a meaningful charitable gift. |
Donor-Advised Funds Recommend a grant from your Donor-Advised Fund to support the Kirk Culbertson Legacy Fund. DAFs offer a simple and flexible way to make a lasting impact. |
IRA / QCD Giving If you're 70 1/2 or older, use a Qualified Charitable Distribution to support the DSC and satisfy all or part of your Required Minimum Distribution . |
Gift InformationLegal Name: Federal Tax ID (EIN): Mailing Address: | Questions?For stock transfers, estate planning information, or assistance with any charitable gift, please contact: Sharon Lacy | Your Legacy Can Change LivesEvery legacy gift helps ensure that the Downtown Sailing Center remains a place where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can discover confidence, community, and freedom on the water - just as Kirk envisioned. |