During the week of January 16, you might spot runners and sailors sporting a blue-and-white “EWE” logo on their hats, T-shirts and other gear. These are Team EWE Spirit members raising awareness and funds for the EWE Spirit Foundation, formed in memory of pro sailor Geoff Ewenson, who tragically passed away in October 2020 at the young age of 50.

For many years, Geoff made the January pilgrimage south to race sailboats in Key West Race Week and run in the Key West 5K. To continue his legacy of sportsmanship, generosity and compassion, his family and friends started the EWE Spirit Foundation to help people facing immediate hardship bridge financial and social support gaps through mentorship, outreach and financial assistance.

In its first year of operation, the foundation granted $115,000 to eight nonprofit organizations that provide everything from housing and food to child care and job training. These include Sister Season, a Key West-based nonprofit that pays for rent and utilities for employees in the tourism & hospitality industry who are temporarily out of work through no fault of their own.

To learn more about the EWE Spirit Foundation, go to EWE Spirit.org, EWE Spirit in Key West, or stop by the tent at the Half Marathon. We’d love to share the EWE Spirit with you!