About Us
What began as one man’s dream has grown into a global community of dreamers, working together to help kids dream big and chase their own horizons.
Artwork by
Cary Cochrane
Moment captured by
Molly Smith
Our Inspiration:
Alex Rust and S/V Bubbles
In 2008, a farm boy from Indiana named Alex Rust quit his job at the Chicago Board of Trade, traded his minivan for a sailboat, and taught himself to sail with a Sailing for Dummies book.
Alex soon set off from Florida toward the Bahamas… and never looked back. Over the next four years, he sailed S/V Bubbles around the world, visiting remote islands and hidden rivers, bringing gifts, joy, and boat rides to local kids everywhere he went.
Alex’s journey wasn’t about miles on a map — it was about chasing life fully, connecting deeply, and showing us that the world is smaller, and kinder, than we think. After returning home, Alex sought new purpose helping children in remote orphanages in India. His life was tragically cut short in 2013, but his spirit launched a movement: the Chasing Bubbles Foundation.
Who We Are
The Chasing Bubbles Foundation (CBF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit carrying Alex’s dream forward.
Today, S/V Bubbles sails again — island to island, regatta to regatta — as a floating classroom and a symbol of possibility. Through youth sailing programs, community events, and adventurous fundraisers, we empower kids to see the ocean of opportunity in front of them and believe that anything is possible.
We are:
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The Board — Friends and family of Alex from all walks of life, united by his legacy.
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The Dreamers — The kids we aim to empower, both young and young at heart.
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The Ambassadors — Adventurers and volunteers around the world who carry the spark forward.
Our Mission, Dream & Values
Mission
To empower kids around the world to chase their dreams.
Dream
A world filled with people who live wide open, challenge the status quo, and choose meaning over comfort.
Values
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Courage —Dreams are safe in your head — but they only come alive when you dare to chase them.
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Adventure — Adventure isn’t luxury; it’s necessity. From sailing voyages to youth day camps, we believe curiosity changes lives.
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Humanity — Different languages. Different cultures. Same laughter, same spirit. Every child deserves the chance to dream.
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Shepherding — We don’t just give resources — we give guidance, community, and living examples of what it looks like to dream big and follow through.
How We Create
the Ripple
Empowering kids to dream big and chase their own bubbles isn’t something we can do alone — it’s a collective effort. The Chasing Bubbles Foundation thrives on a cycle of inspiration:
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Sharing Stories — It all begins with the story of Alex Rust and S/V Bubbles. Through our documentary, events, and storytelling, we spark curiosity and show what’s possible when you dare to chase a dream.
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Empowering Action — From regattas to adventurous fundraisers, we create opportunities to get involved, celebrate life, and raise support for the next generation of dreamers.
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Fulfilling Dreams — Through youth sailing programs, day camps, and scholarships, we give kids direct access to the water, to education, and to experiences that expand their sense of what’s possible.
Each inspired kids fuels the next — creating ripples that become waves.
If you’re inspired to be part of this movement, we’d love to have you aboard. Whether you join a regatta, sponsor a program, or simply share the story — you’re helping us carry Alex’s dream forward.
Be a part of something bigger. Help us turn ripples into waves.