Newport sailing group raising money for Ensenada school before yacht race

In events leading up to the 68th annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race, members of the Newport Ocean Sailing Association will collect donations to help fund a school for autistic children in Ensenada, Mexico.

Donations for the Asociacion de Integracion y Rehabilitacion de Autistas de Ensenada will be accepted at three events: the Balboa Village Fest on Sunday, the Sterling BMW VIP party April 22 and the American Legion Yacht Club’s Sail Away party April 23.

CANACO, Ensenada’s chamber of commerce, first invited NOSA to visit the school last year. After the trip, NOSA decided to collect donations for the school’s students and staff during the 2014 Newport to Ensenada race. Association members traveled to the school again in March.

The Ensenada school, which currently serves 15 students, is aiming to fund programs with musical instruments, Legos and interactive teaching materials.

“Giving is a great feeling. This is an exciting way to get the racers and others involved in giving to this school,” said Chuck Iverson, NOSA junior staff commodore.

NOSA will present collected donations to the school during the race’s final day April 25.