In an effort to support the maritime industry hardest hit by the destruction of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Annapolis Boat Shows partnered with Pusser’s Caribbean Grille and Annapolis Waterfront Hotel to host a campaign during the fall Sail and Power Boat Shows that raised more than $250,000 in hurricane relief.
On the first day of the United States Sailboat Show, a Donor Appreciation Gala drew more than 350 donors and kicked off a two-week fundraising effort by the marine industry.”We are truly pleased to be a part of this wonderful expression of concern and caring from the boating industry for the devastated people of the BVI’s and Puerto Rico. Thanks to the Boat Show professionals for pulling this wonderful party together on such short notice. Our staff was happy to donate their time and efforts to insure what was a very successful event,” said Clyde E. Culp III, CEO of Pusser’s Caribbean Grille.Due to the generous support of more than two-dozen Annapolis Boat Shows’ exhibitors, like-minded Annapolis businesses, and hundreds of boaters, the “Hands Across the Transom Hurricane Relief” and related in-show fundraising beat all expectations.
“We are excited by the great generosity of the boating community and, especially, our exhibitors and attendees at this year’s boat shows. We are pleased to have surpassed our original goal of $150,000, raising more than $250,000 from various campaigns included under the “Hands Across the Transom” umbrella,” said Paul Jacobs, president and general manager of the Annapolis Boat Shows. “Needless to say we were thrilled with the way our exhibitors and consumers stepped up to help out and we had a great time at the donor appreciation party to boot.”
Of special mention is Jeanneau America who pledged to make a contribution for each new boat sold and raised $36,000 in total for hurricane relief. Scattered throughout the shows and in Pusser’s were a number of “Soggy Dollar” cash donation boxes. More than $3,500 was raised in this effort.
Contributions and Sponsors:
SIGNATURE: $5,000 or more
Jeanneau America
Pusser’s Caribbean Grille
Annapolis Yacht Sales
Bitter End Yacht Club
Sunsail/The Moorings
Annapolis Waterfront Hotel
GOLD: $2,500 to $4,999
Yumkas, Vidmar, Sweeney & Mulrenin, LLC
1 North Wealth Services
SpinSheet Publishing Company
Paul & Nancy Jacobs
SILVER: $1,000 to $2,499
Raritan Engineering
Patrick Sweeney
Chesapeake Bay Magazine
Breakthru Beverage
Scott Ricker
Snag-A-Slip
Stuart Jameison
CYC Yachts
Weems & Plath
Sheila & David Jones
Applied Lighting
Mid-Atlantic Mariners Club
Liquified Creative
Fleet Reserve Club of Annapolis
BRONZE: $500 to $999
Puerto Rico Statehood Council
Helly Hansen
Montauk Tackle
Ronstan
Tucker Thompson
Chesapeake & Potomac AV
Ani Gonzalez-Brunet
Swans Yacht Sales
Buck Beer Distributors
Sail America
IN-KIND DONATIONS
Margo Cook of 1 North Wealth Services
Craig Ligibel
Katie Grey
Hendricks Gin
Tullamore Dew Whiskey
19 Crimes Wines
Tito’s Vodka
Patron Tequila
BV Coastal Wines
Cruising World Magazine
Flying Fish Printworks
The participating hurricane relief organizations are: Virgin Unite * Puerto Rico Strong * Pusser’s Disaster Relief * Bitter End Yacht Club Relief * Sister Season Fund * TMM Staff Assistance * American Sailing Association * BVI Recovery * Sunsail/Moorings Relief
Any businesses or individuals who would like to contribute to the relief effort are asked to visit our website, to find out more about the nine charities who are beneficiaries of the fundraising effort. The Hands Across the Transom website will stay active, collecting donations through the end of the year.
