A lifelong volunteer and resident of the Twin Cities, Mary Plant has a lengthy record of giving back to her community. Mary’s commitment to helping others dates back to the 1940’s when she spent time volunteering as a nurse for The Red Cross in support of the war effort. Throughout her career as a volunteer, Mary has served numerous organizations in various capacities, including, among others, as a member of the board of directors of The Minnesota Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota and The Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery, and Chair of the Women’s Division of United Way. She was also an active member of the campaign that helped secure a conservation easement for the Big Woods Preserve, a 14-acre remnant of historic forest land located in Wayzata. Mary currently serves as chair of The Mike Plant Fund, an organization created to bring the sport of sailing to children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to sail. The Mike Plant Fund is named after Mary’s late son, Mike Plant, a single-handed yachtsman, who was lost at sea in 1992 as he was preparing to compete in his fourth single handed around the world yacht race.

"What a special moment! I was surprised to receive the Mary Plant Volunteer award at a WCSC (Wayzata Sailing) shore side event. It was a bit overwhelming to be with so many near and dear who support our WCSC (WS)–especially Mary Plant! What an inspiration Mary is to all of us. She’s the true community hero whose tireless commitment to the tenants of access, life skills, leadership, stewardship and teamwork have never wavered. She keeps us all engaged in true community building. Mary Plant is proof that one person can have immeasurable impact and I treasure the reminder of that everyday because of her.”

-Elli Ansari

"Evan put in a whopping 240 hours of volunteering in a single summer, as a minor, and simply gave his heart to a new program. A friend of a community member, he had no special connection with us. Evan quickly proved himself to be a valued asset to our instructional staff and earned a place in the leadership of our programming. We cannot thank you enough for the amount of time and energy you gave us this summer. You are truly an integral piece of our STEM program, and consequently the completion of the building. On ya bud!"

-Matthew Thompson

"Gary Malinowski loves to sail. He loves to share sailing with others. He can teach people at any level from beginner to experienced sailor. He has the ability to explain what the effect this or that adjustment will make to improve boat handling or speed. I can always count on Gary to be available to help teach an Adaptive Sailing class. When we were taking people for boat rides at the Art Fair, he continued to give rides after end time and took the last few comers, so no one felt left out. Then he came back to the dock helped the other skippers put their boats away. You can’t find a more reliable, friendly, helpful sailor than Gary."

-Ernest Brody

“Throughout my life I have shared my passions with others. In my youth, it was music and dance. Since I came to sailing, at the tender age of 35, I have wanted everyone to experience the pleasure and freedom that sailing brings. WCSC (Wayzata Sailing) gives me the opportunity to spread that joy. The youth aspect means that there will be many young people who will, in turn, introduce sailing to other young people. The Adaptive aspect means that people with disabilities, who would otherwise never have an opportunity to, can enjoy the relaxation and excitement that sailing brings. Every time we go out it’s an adventure. It’s peace. It’s something to share.”

-Ernest Brody

"Patty Hicks earned the award this year because of her grit, and helping with projects that typically require admin staff. Patty will find a way to make a project happen. Tough, firm, and supportive – she’s always challenged us to do our best while simultaneously being there to be a part of things. Even after her students left our program for college, both Patty and her Husband Bill remain committed volunteers and advocates. Patty was essential to a new vision over the past three years. She has an amazing ability to speak as a parent and share concerns, while operating as the business and finding true solutions. She stood up to become part of the process and push the organization forward through support. Thank you Patty! We couldn’t do it without parents like you!"

-Matthew Thompson

"Pat has been here, at the beginning, and will be to the end. Supportive through thick and thin, he helped provide a vision for what this place could become. Together with a pack of friends at WYC he not only helped form Wayzata Sailing, but stayed involved long past his student’s involvement. After over 30+ years, all we can say is, wow. Your consistent presence has kept us attached to our past, grounded in our mission, and working towards the lofty goals we’ve continued to fight for!"

-Matthew Thompson

"Augie Olson is one of the most helpful people in the Adaptive Sailing Program. He is always available to tow boats to Wayzata with his truck. Then we paint bottoms, launch the boats, step masts and load in the equipment. As an instructor, Augie figured out how to use the crane for lifting a client. It is much safer than the gin pole. He is able help a beginner client learn to steer and to read a client’s abilities so he can take over when the client becomes too tired to continue steering. Augie takes experienced Adaptive sailors to navigate in Carson’s Bay and through the cut between the two pieces of Big Island. Everyone has a great time when they go sailing with Augie."

-Ernest Brody

"There is a saying that the right leader comes at the right time. Through Howard’s term as Board Chair Wayzata Sailing grew, expanded, and faced new challenges. He was a friend to all, and collected parties to find solutions. He wasn’t afraid to take calls off hours and was able to wrangle a diverse board and volunteer crew into creating the next steps for WS. We would not be here today without Howard. He fostered the next crew of board members and staff, managed a new director transition, and kept the sailing center on its upward trajectory every day. All while smiling away. Howard, your extended energies helped make this place special and brought our community ideals into our leadership. You were a true cooperative leader. We are ever appreciative!"

-Matthew Thompson

"Rob taught us how to be a neighbor and community member. As president of the organization he steered us towards new relationships, giving back in unique ways, and connecting with our local government. He changed us from a community business to a community asset. The organization was able to make incredible strides towards its goals through a new outlook and workflow. Thank you for showing us a path forward, to doing better, and helping us find our true voice. You’ve done more than you’re ever willing to take credit for, and that’s why we appreciate you!"

-Matthew Thompson

"As a former City Council Member in Wayzata, Andrew’s support helped change our perception in town in line with Rob Hunt’s community focus. Together they helped create connections for new cooperative programming and places in Wayzata. Additionally, as an advocate, Andrew helped Wayzata Sailing navigate the tumultuous waters of county government, leading to property tax exemption, freeing up of over $60,000 of our yearly budget for use directly to programming. An incredible gift of time, energy, and advocacy – Andrew is our the harbor pilot that jumped aboard, and brought us to the dock."

-Matthew Thompson

"Where would we be without Kathy? She takes on the hard work, is fiercely independent, and can be trusted to lead and organize. Taking ownership over multiple fundraising auctions, Kathy is a critical link for WYC membership and their Community Sailing center next door. Without a direct investment, she volunteers her time to our sport through us, without skin in the game. Acknowledging the impact Wayzata Sailing has on our larger sport. When it comes to a complex event, Kathy is the one we trust to lead and create. She ensures success of her projects and the larger event and makes time for every volunteer and question. I am consistently astounded by her composure and output. Thank you for everything Kathy! We adore you!"

-Matthew Thompson