What a party! Our Annual Gala was wildly successful, not just because we sold out and raised more money than ever ($72k net). The energy was also fantastic with everyone having a great time together enjoying great food, thanks to Johnny Scopazzi, and Davey Jones. The music was the best with the Bobbi Nikles trio and Waterfront Pickers at the top of their game. And most important was the strong sense of community and friendship. Oh, and we did not run out of whiskey!
It was an amazing effort by our building crew to finish planking in time for the event. We all agreed to do whatever it took to get the job done, and we did! The energy level and focus in the yard was inspiring as we all pulled together to make it happen. Now with the last plank on and the rudder in place, we are setting our sights for the launch in March 2017.
With this timeline we have a long list of work to do. The hull, deck and deck houses need to be finished and weather ready. While we will not be operational at launch, all major systems will be in place and ready for testing and completion. Masts will be built with standing rigging attached for stepping on the ship. The list goes on and on, and we plan to be sailing in the summer of 2017!
Of course there is always the money. We have come a long way with fundraising which keeps up the pace of building including recent grant awards from Mary A. Crocker Trust and William Randolph Hearst Foundation.
We are very grateful for the wide community support. This is responsible for our success so far and ask for your continued support to finish Matthew Turner and carry out her educational mission. We still need to raise the final $1 million of our $6.2 million have raised $5.2 million of $6.2 million goal. However, in the next year we still need to raise the final $1 million. Please consider how you can help. All levels of giving are appreciated and will be put to good use.
Fair winds,
Alan Olson