As we have now started 2013 and on our way to a positive and good year ahead. Let's remember to participate in helping to restore and keep our national history of cruise ships on the map. I will continue to post information and newsletters from the SS United States Conservancy to continue getting the news out there for support. This is a good project that will allow our new generations to learn ships, their stories and the fascination we have with life upon the sea.
December 31, 2012
As the SS United States' 60th anniversary year draws to a close, thank you for helping us restore "America's Flagship" and launch the SS United States Center for Design & Discovery. Together, we have traveled a great distance. Together, we are closer than ever to realizing our dream.
However, the SS United States is not yet saved. The vessel's maintenance costs are formidable. To keep the ship afloat, advance her restoration, build our museum, and expand our collections, we must grow our community of supporters. We must also pursue partnerships with private developers to sustain the ship's financial prospects over the long term. We've achieved real headway in recent months, and we will provide more detail on our progress once our formal "Request for Proposals" process concludes.
The next several months will be critical. We know you are being bombarded with year-end fundraising appeals, but we invite you to respond generously to ours. We also invite you to purchase and personalize your own pieces of the ship atsavetheunitedstates.org. Amidst continued uncertainty over tax policies in "fiscal cliff" negotiations, you can donate today and lock in a 2012 charitable tax deduction. With your support, we vow to work tirelessly to ensure that the SS United Statesendures and inspires for generations to come.
As we prepare to ring in the New Year, let us all raise our collective glasses. Whenever the SS United States' designer - William Francis Gibbs - was called upon to make a toast, he'd lift his glass and say, "To everything you want doubled, to good health, and... to the Big Ship!"
As we welcome 2013, please help us save her.
