At the beginning of October, the SS United States Conservancy's Board of Directors made the difficult decision to engage a broker to explore the possible sale of the SS United States. That decision was made in an effort to ensure that our organization was being as financially responsible as possible given the persistent challenge of covering the vessel's $60,000 monthly carrying costs. Since that time, there has been an outpouring of support worldwide that demonstrates the enduring importance of America's Flagship to a growing, global community. The ship has garnered major media attention from outlets at the local, national, and international levels. While the numbers are not yet final, the Conservancy has raised well over $100,000 as a result of this global call to action. These resources have given us some additional time to advance our redevelopment plans in conjunction with several potential partners. Those discussions and negotiations have picked up momentum in recent weeks as well.This progress has been made thanks to your commitment, and we are still compiling the necessary information to help the Board fully and responsibly evaluate our current situation from a financial and redevelopment standpoint. As a result, the Board has opted to defer any additional determination about the ship's immediate future until later this month.Clearly, your continued backing has given us some flexibility in our timing. During this week and next, we hope to further build on the momentum created over the past month to extend the life of the ship and to advance our ongoing efforts to ultimately save her. The recent outpouring of public and media support is a testament to the viability of our shared goals for America's Flagship. We are profoundly grateful for all you have done, and we ask that you continue to help us build momentum during this crucial time.
Oct 30, 2015 - Star Spangled Event Recap
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We would like to thank everyone who joined us at the Conservancy's "Star-Spangled Fundraiser" at Philadelphia's historic Union League on October 29. The event raised crucial funds for the SS United States and drew Conservancy supporters from as far away as Spain, California, Hawaii, Florida, and Illinois. The event drew nine Conservancy chapter chairs from across the country and Europe, and beloved Southeastern US chapter chair, Jordan Morris, was with us in spirit. We were also honored to have former crew members in attendance, including Joe Rota, Jim Green, and Alex Keisch.
The evening's highlights included soaring musical perfomances of original songs inspired by the SS United States by renowned musicians Marc Jonson and Dan Landau. Rachel Neitzke's dance performance to Dan Landau's "To Every Journey" was spellbinding.
The night would not have been made possible without our supporters and sponsors! Event chair and Conservancy Advisory Council member Sean Edwards was the star of the evening--we remain profoundly grateful for his initiative and support. We also thank leadership donor Frank Slate Brooks for his enduring commitment to saving the SS United States.
Huge thanks to our event sponsors:
Dr. Marie Prewett, Kevin Billings, Atlantic Logistics, Shady Brook Farms, Typetanic Fonts, Cardno, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Williamette Valley Vineyards, Broker's London Dry Gin, WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey, Woodford Reserve, Zonin1829 Wine, & Flying Fish Brewing Co.
Thank you to all the contributors to the event's silent auction and raffle, including:
Kyle Ober, Dotty Duddy, Independence Seaport Museum, Maria Mijares, Mario Alvarez-Garcillán, Laura. D Zajac & LDZ Design, Ted Piersol & Honeybrook Gold Club, Paul Stipkovich, Glenn Lappin, and Christopher Moody & Life Celebrations Services.
Congratulations to Paul Stipkovich and Bill Magee for receiving the Conservancy's special awards for their ongoing outreach on behalf of the SS United States. Ray Griffiths and his colleagues at Atlantic Logistics were also honored for their outstanding work on keeping the ship safe and secure at her Philadelphia pier.
Again, we can't thank you enough for your support! Momentum is truly building to Save the United States!
Photos courtesy of Kyle Ober
October 26, 2015 – NBC News
Time running on piece of American history October 26, 2015 – NBC NewsThe SS United States Conservancy was recently featured on NBC News. The Conservancy’s fundraising efforts were profiled as well as the Conservancy’s progress and urgent challenges as an end-of-month deadline looms.You can view the full video here.