From the Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Lighthouse Society:
A successful fundraiser for Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse was held on September 23, 2022. Almost 200 people boarded the Catherine Marie, a 95-foot Watermark vessel. The fundraiser was conceived in late spring 2022 to provide funding for additional preservation activities. Incredibly, the cruise was sold out in just 4 days.
A team of volunteers took their mission very seriously, raising thousands of dollars in sponsorships and obtaining over 65 donated items for our auction. The sunset cruise was preceded by a week-long on-line auction, then silent and live auctions aboard the boat. About $50,000 was raised. The guests enjoyed a fantastic catered dinner, 800 oysters donated by Hollywood Oysters, a wine pull, raffle and music and dancing by the iconic Eastport Oyster Boys band.
Here are some photos from the event:
A special presentation was made to State Senator Sarah Elfreth for her tireless support of the
lighthouse. And USLHS Vice President Henry Gonzalez congratulated the volunteer efforts that have made Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse such a special place.
The event was enormously successful, so many happy faces watched the sun set behind the lighthouse.
It is clear that we will have to do this again.
– John Potvin, Lighthouse Manager
Jeremy D’Entremont is the author of more than 20 books and hundreds of articles on lighthouses and maritime history. He is the president and historian for the American Lighthouse Foundation and founder of Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses, and he has lectured and narrated cruises throughout the Northeast and in other regions. He is also the producer and host of the U.S. Lighthouse Society podcast, “Light Hearted.” He can be emailed at Jeremy@uslhs.org
This is great, and I’m glad the event was such a success, and we at Watermark hope we can host the Lighthouse Society again!
However, I must point out that Catherine Marie is a mere 95-foot vessel.
-Alex Knoll, director of sales and marketing, Watermark Journeys
Thanks, Alex! Made the correction. From all accounts it was a great event.