At the Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) Holiday & Volunteer Appreciation Party on December 5th, two standout volunteers were recognized for their exceptional contributions in 2024. The Lance Hinrichs Memorial Award for Skipper of the Year was awarded to Bill Levatino, while Catherine Schaaf was named Crew Member of the Year.
Bill Levatino was celebrated for his commitment and resilience, earning the Lance Hinrichs Memorial Award for Skipper of the Year. Despite the personal loss of his wife of over 50 years this summer, Levatino devoted himself to CRAB's mission, teaching sailing to individuals with disabilities.
CRAB President & CEO Paul "Bo" Bollinger praised Levatino's dedication, saying, "It would have been easy to step back and focus on mourning, but Bill did the opposite. He found solace in helping others and teaching sailing." Levatino reflected on his experience, sharing, "I found tremendous relief and consolation working with the dedicated CRAB volunteers and seeing the smiles on the faces of our guests."
The award is named in honor of Lance Hinrichs, a former CRAB President who was paralyzed and remained an avid sailor and competitor during his tenure.
Catherine Schaaf was recognized as Crew Member of the Year for her broad and tireless contributions throughout 2024. Schaaf played multiple roles, from registering guests and assisting with boarding to helping with the CRAB Cup and maintaining oyster spats at the CRAB Adaptive Boating Center.
Bollinger commended Schaaf's enthusiasm, stating, "Catherine always has a smile on her face whenever she works with our guests. Her warmth and care provide our participants with a great sense of comfort."
In 2024, CRAB's 151 volunteers contributed over 5,300 hours of service across 123 events. Their efforts enabled the organization to fulfill its mission of providing accessible sailing experiences to individuals with disabilities, wounded veterans, and underserved youth.
The annual celebration, attended by 90 volunteers, board members, and guests, highlighted the vital role volunteers play in CRAB's success. The organization continues to thrive through the dedication and generosity of individuals like Levatino and Schaaf, whose contributions leave a lasting impact on the community.