We hope this finds you well and enjoying the holiday season.
We are writing to seek your support for the SS United States Conservancy's efforts to assure a dignified future for the SS
United States. Tragically, as the year draws to a close, our national flagship is in danger of being sold for scrap.
During the coming year, the SS United States Conservancy plans to ramp up its efforts to raise national awareness of the ship's historical significance and build support for the ship's conversion into a viable and vibrant stationary attraction in a major American city. At what may very well be the ship's final hour, we need your help!
The SS
United States was listed for sale earlier this year by her current owners, Norwegian Cruise Line/Star Cruises, because of the harsh economic climate and technical challenges associated with her rehabilitation. Our fight to secure a dignified future for our national flagship was recently bolstered by a $300,000 pledge from philanthropist H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest of Philadelphia that will be put towards the purchase of the ship. While Mr. Lenfest's generosity has infused new energy in our efforts to "Save Our Ship", much work lies ahead of us.
With your past support, we have worked tirelessly on the ship's behalf. This year, we:
- Spread the word about the ship in many media outlets. Recent coverage includes a front-page story in The Wall Street Journal, articles in The Philadelphia Inquirer, USA Today, the Associated Press, ABC News Online, Forbes.com, and Popular Mechanics; broadcasts on WHYY, CBS3, KYW 1060 and other outlets, and social networking via YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
- Helped secure a decision by the ship's current owner to ban her from being sold to scrappers or foreign groups. We're working to ensure this provision endures.
- Generated preliminary support from federal and municipal officials in Philadelphia and New York interested in re-purposing the ship as a stationary waterfront attraction and established partnerships with notable development, architectural, and engineering firms who support the goal of saving the ship.
- Promoted broadcasts of our award-winning American Public Television (APT) documentary, SS United States: Lady in Waiting, produced in partnership with Big Ship Films. We have organized film screenings nationwide and broadcasts of the film in key markets generated APT's highest ratings for the night.
- Developed partnerships with museums, nautical organizations, and other civic-minded groups to educate Americans about the SS United States.
We are now turning to you to help us expand on the momentum generated by Gerry's pledge of $300,000 through a tax-deductible donation. We intend to:
- Expand our Save Our Ship Campaign to build a groundswell of a national support for the ship's restoration.
- Produce a feasibility study, engineering assessment, and long-range plan for re-purposing the ship.
- Expand our SS United States Legacy Project to partner with schools, museums, maritime associations, and civic groups.
- Continue to explore and encourage local, state, and national legislative efforts to provide greater protection for the ship.
We know many Americans have forgotten about the romance of transatlantic travel, the ship's peerless engineering and design achievements, and the speed record she maintains to this day. But what really matters is that she is more than an ocean liner - she is a national historic treasure on par with the USS
Constitution. She must be saved!
Both of us helped found the SS United States Conservancy because of our close, personal ties to the ship. We are turning to you, as an extended family, to now request your help. We strongly believe your contribution before December 31 will help us save the SS
United States. Will you join us with a tax-deductible contribution of $25 or $2,500 - whatever you feel you can afford to give?
Each day is critical. Thank you for helping us Save Our Ship.
If you'd like to donate,
please click here to do so via our PayPal account. If you'd prefer to send a check,
please click here.
Again, best wishes for a great holiday season and thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Susan Gibbs
President, Board of Directors
Dan McSweeney
Executive Director