WHO WE ARE

Diving For Life is a tax exempt, not for profit organization that sponsors The International Gay and Lesbian SCUBA Jamboree. The Jamboree is a fund raising event that offers a fun filled week of SCUBA diving with 100 - 125 or more GLBTT divers attending. All proceeds from the Jamboree are donated to charitable organizations that support the health concerns of the GLBTT community. Incorporated as a charitable organization in New York State, DFL has been granted 501(c)(3) tax exempt status as an organization that uses its funds for charitable purposes.

DIVING FOR LIFE

Going into its twenty-first year, DFL books a dedicated SCUBA resort for a life affirming week of GLBTT diving, entertainment and camaraderie. The proceeds of the event are donated to charitable organizations designate by local dive clubs.

The first Jamboree was held in 1992 in Roatan, Honduras with seventy-six participants. Since then, DFL has grown in size and structure with one event attracting over 150 people. The Jamboree, held annually, has enjoyed such diverse locations as Bonaire, Curacao, The Cayman Islands, Cozumel, The British Virgin Islands and the Bahamas.

Since its inception the Diving For Life SCUBA Jamboree has raised nearly $820,000 which has been distributed to local GLBTT charity organizations. Each SCUBA club that participates in the Jamboree is allocated a portion of that years' funds for its participation in the event. The club then decides which charities within its area receive the funds.

PATRICK KELLY - FOUNDER OF DIVING FOR LIFE
A Tribute by April Gallo

One who "lives to dive" can also "dive to live." So proved Patrick Kelly when he gave birth to the First Annual Diving for Life Scuba Jamboree in 1992.  A veteran diver in love with the sport and infected with the AIDS virus, Patrick’s dream was to unite all gay and lesbian divers (locally, nationally, internationally, and one day interplanetary, if possible), while raising money to fight the virus which was slowly depriving him of life.  Patrick had many dreams and those who knew him knew he dreamt in Technicolor with digital Dolby surround sound.

Throughout the year of 1993, Patrick worked tirelessly planning the next jamboree. In October all systems were "go" for the Second Annual Diving for Life Scuba Jamboree at Captain Don’s Habitat in Bonaire. Two days before we were to leave, Patrick was hospitalized with PCP pneumonia. Ron Castleman and I tearfully left Patrick behind to attend this bittersweet event amidst a sea of our own enthusiasm, fear, and sadness. As much as it seemed unthinkable to go without him, it was equally unthinkable to not see it through. Needless to say, the event was a tremendous success and an extremely emotional one at that. We, and representatives of the other five gay and lesbian scuba clubs in attendance, pulled together to form the initial board of directors for Diving for Life. Without the tremendous support, vision, and hard work of the club representatives present, there would be no Diving for Life today.

Patrick anxiously awaited our return and had even purchased a VCR so he could watch the jamboree video the moment we returned. Sadly, Patrick never left the hospital, but it was with relief that he did get to see his final dream become a reality.

It seems insufficient to pay tribute to Patrick Kelly - winning amateur figure skater; Producer of Michael Callen’s Legacy CD; and lover of all things turquoise.

Perhaps one of the things I admired most about Patrick was his understanding of the importance of leaving a legacy — not just any legacy -— but one which would bring joy to so many participants, while providing support to so many in need.

DIVING FOR LIFE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

John McCall - President, Donations Organizer
Kelly Thiemann - Vice President, 2011 Co-Organizer, 2012 Co-Organizer
Matt Kaine - Secretary, 2012 Co-Organizer
Ed Pon - Treasurer
Anita Floyd - Club Liaison
Steve Mancuso - Publicist
Cordell Brown - Publicist
Patricia Stressler - Member-at-Large, Donations Organizer
David Doom - Member-at-Large

The DFL Jamboree is supported by gay and lesbian SCUBA clubs throughout the world.