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Desmond Richardson aboard the SS United States - (c) 2013 Jonathan Atkin
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Conservancy's 2013 Highlights & Year-End Appeal
Can we count on you to help at this critical time?
This week we are launching our year-end funding appeal and membership drive. We've made steady progress in building support for "America's Flagship," but we can't fulfill our bold vision without your continued support. In the words of renowned author-illustrator David Macaulay, the SS United States was "an imagination stirrer." He says the fight to save America's Flagship is a "noble cause and one we can still win." To read his full message, click HERE. With your help, we had a very busy year: The SS United States was featured on CBS Sunday Morning, Fox News, the Associated Press, CNN, NBC.com, Time.com, the international Voice of America broadcast, and many other outlets. We now have members in all 50 states and 25 countries. However, there's more to saving the SS United States than garnering media attention. It's not even a simple matter of scraping away the rust and giving her a shiny new coat of paint. She has to earn her keep. That's why we are laying the groundwork to convert the SS United States into a mixed-use museum and development complex. The Conservancy's proposed SS United States Center for Design and Discovery will celebrate America's maritime history, mid-century modern art and design, and the technological innovation that sprung from our postwar power and confidence as a nation. The SS United States is a big ship and we are engaged in a big effort to save her. In the words of 11-year-old Conservancy supporter Ravi Giberson, "Often we let things go from our past that we really shouldn't. We move on and forget about them. Please don't let that happen to the SS United States." Your fully tax-deductible donation of $1,000, $500, $100, $25 - or even $5 - will help Save Our Ship at this crucial time. Thank you in advance for responding generously to this year's annual appeal.
Support our efforts now to
help rescue and restore the SS United States
Also in this Issue:
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 A Celebration of Heroes by Jonathan Atkin
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Desmond Richardson aboard the SS United States - (c) 2013 Jonathan Atkin
The stunning image you see at the top of this issue's e-update is from an amazing project by professional maritime photographer Captain Jonathan Atkin. Atkin is a passionate advocate for the preservation of historic ships and combines his love of the maritime world with his love of the world of dance in The Hero Project to raise awareness for both.
Featuring the graceful athleticism of some of the world's leading dancers against the backdrop of statuesque historic ships, Atkin has created a magnificent collection of photographs to inspire and to celebrate the beauty of expression and form.
In The Hero Project, internationally-acclaimed Complexions Contemporary Ballet company co-founder Desmond Richardson embodies the spirit of the SS United States in a series of 35 powerful photographs found HERE. Prior to co-founding Complexions, Richardson was principal dancer with Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, American Ballet Theater and Ballet Frankfurt.
Other ships that have been included in this unique imaginative project include the four-masted Barque Peking, tanker Mary A. Whalen, steamship Lilac, and USS Turner Joy (DD-951).
For more information, visit www.heroproject.us. Normally offered at $600 each, for a limited time 13 x 19 inch archival prints will be offered to Conservancy members for $450 -- a 25 percent discount -- and a portion of each print sale will be donated to the Conservancy.
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In Remembrance
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 | | Robert M. Silva |
The Conservancy wishes to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Robert M. Silva, who recently passed away unexpectedly. Robert was a bellboy on the Big U's final voyage, and he continued to be a passionate supporter of the ship through the years. We are honored and grateful for his family's wishes that donations be made to the Conservancy in his memory. Fair winds and following seas to you, Robert. We vow to honor your legacy by continuing our effort to rescue and restore your special ship!
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Thank You to Two of our Recent Donors
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As we look forward to continued progress in 2014 on behalf of the SS United States, we'd like to thank you again for your generous support. The costs associated with taking care of a 990-foot-long ship are formidable, and every tax-deductible contribution from you brings us one step closer to saving America's Flagship.
One recent contribution was made by Gail Brinker Rumble of Fort Myers, FL. The $1,000 gift was made in memory of her late parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brinker. Mr. Brinker worked in Labor Relations for the United States Lines for many years.
Another recent gift was made by Paul Timmerman of the Netherlands. Mr. Timmerman has an avid interest in interior design and maritime history, and he has donated $500 in hope that the SS United States can be redeveloped into a multi-use complex, such as has been done with the SS Rotterdam in the Dutch port of Rotterdam.
We are profoundly grateful for these generous gifts - and indeed, for all the contributions we have received - as we strive toward achieving our goal of saving the United States.
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Cause for Celebrations (or, Celebrations for a Cause)
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Our membership Chapters provide local area support to the Conservancy, and help to raise local awareness of the SS United States. Additionally, Chapters hold social events to engage our members and celebrate our successes. Our Florida Chapter just held its first meeting and very successful official launch on Saturday in a unique environment. Photos will accompany an update from the Chapter President in our next issue.
Hampton Roads, VA: The newly-formed Hampton Roads Chapter will hold its first meeting at 7 pm on Thursday, December 12, at the Newport News Gibbs & Cox office, located at 700 Thimble Shoals Boulevard, Suite 100, in Newport News, VA.
This meeting will be a meet-and-greet with a discussion about the newly-formed Chapter, plans for a path forward, and a "virtual tour" through some recently-taken pictures of the ship. Please RSVP to Keith Harper by Wednesday, December 11 at kharper@gibbscox.com if you plan to attend.
Philadelphia: The Philadelphia Chapter will hold a festive gathering with fellow SS United States supporters from 12:30 to 2 pm on Saturday, December 14, at Champps Restaurant at 2100 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard in Philadelphia (across from the ship).
Conservancy Executive Director Susan Gibbs will provide an update on the current status of the ship and the Conservancy's goals for the new year. Tickets are $30 (children under 18 free) and include lunch and soft drinks. Tickets must be purchased by Tuesday, December 10. To purchase your ticket, please click here. |
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Holiday Shopping with the Conservancy
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 | | "Midnight Funnels" by Maria Mijares |
As you consider holiday gifts, plan a visit to our Online Shop. With many of the items, a portion of each sale is donated to the Conservancy. This is a great way to support our efforts while purchasing a gift for yourself and others!
Choose from Conservancy apparel, including a unique limited-edition tee-shirt featuring a design by renowned author-illustrator David Macaulay. These Macaulay shirts are only available until Wednesday, December 11, so order yours now! Also for sale via the Conservancy's website are SS United States wristbands, Lady in Waiting DVDs, and fine art prints and models. We have something for everyone, and know that your gift will be giving twice. |
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SS United States Conservancy
P.O. Box 32115
Washington, DC 20007
(888)-488-7787
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