WHO WE ARE
Going into its 27th year, DFL books a dedicated resort for a life affirming week of GLBTT diving, entertainment and camaraderie. The proceeds of the event are donated to charitable organizations designated by local dive clubs. Thanks to Diving For Life Jamborees, GLBTT Scuba Divers from around the globe have helped to raise OVER $1.1 MILLION dollars!! for people living with AIDS and other Lesbian and Gay health concerns. So join us!
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 and other activities 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: BENEFICIARIES
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993
Cumulative Grantmaking from all Diving For Life LGBT Scuba Jamborees from 1993 to present
$1,168,880.00 USD
| Cumulative Grantmaking by Club Affiliation | |
| 297,857 | Village Dive Club, New York |
| 214,555 | Northern California Rainbow Divers, San Francisco |
| 204,695 | Lambda Divers, Washington, DC |
| 100,622 | Ruby Red Flippers, Portland Oregon |
| 86,780 | Oak Lawn Ski and Scuba Club, Dallas |
| 35,760 | San Diego Rainbow Scuba Club |
| 34,820 | Gay And Lesbian Underwater Group, London, UK |
| 31,320 | Bottom Dwellers, Seattle |
| 30,146 | SUBS Australia |
| 29,517 | Sea Squirts, North Carolina |
| 28,980 | Stonewall Divers, Dallas |
| 26,683 | Triangle Divers, Boston and New England |
| 20,039 | Barnacle Busters, Los Angeles |
| 18,338 | Toronto Rainbow Reef Rangers, Canada |
| 3,469 | Sunshine Athletic Association, South Florida |
| 3,080 | Rainbow Divers Club, Seattle |
| 1,600 | DFL Board Designated |
| 620 | None – in memory of Patrick Kelly |
| $1,168,880 | |
PATRICK KELLY – FOUNDER OF DIVING FOR LIFE
A Tribute by April Gallo
One who “lives to dive” can also “dive to live.”
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.
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
David Doom – President
Cordell Brown – Vice President, Club Liaison
Matt Kaine – Secretary
Tom Bond – Treasurer
Steve Mancuso – 2018 Co-Organizer
Christine Simon – 2018 Co-Organizer
Kelly Thiemann
Jim McVittie
Tracy Taggart
The DFL Jamboree is supported by gay and lesbian SCUBA clubs
throughout the world.