A Tribute to Founder, Patrick Kelly | Current Board of Directors
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 nineteenth 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
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 it's inception the Diving For Life SCUBA
Jamboree has raised over $500,000 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. DFL remains
proud and honored to continue to present to you The Annual Gay and
Top of Page | Current Board of Directors
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
interplanetarily, 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 without at least mentioning a few of his other passions: Dancer with Les Ballets Trokadero de Monte Carlo; Ballet Critic; Co-Leader of NYC’s Village Dive Club; Prize-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.
A Tribute to Founder, Patrick Kelly | Top of Page
Diving For Life Board of Directors
President/Trip Co-Organizer 2010- John McCall
Vice President & Club Liason- Kelly Thiemann
Treasurer - Ed Pon
Secretary - Stephanie Butcher
David Doom - Donations Co-Director
Anita Floyd - Trip Co-Organizer
Matt Kaine - Member at large
Steve Mancuso - Marketing Director
Ryan Stenstrom - Donations Co-Director
The DFL Jamboree is supported by gay and lesbian SCUBA clubs throughout the world.
