Boaters on the Chesapeake watched in horror as Hurricane Dorian destroyed huge swaths of Bahamiam waterfront. Now, the Annapolis Boat Shows, which start in two weeks, are asking its visitors and the boating industry to help the victims of that storm.
Annapolis Boat Shows has pledged $5,000 and is challenging exhibitors, manufacturers, and local businesses to match that donation, hoping to raise relief funds during the United States Powerboat Show October 3-6 and the United States Sailboat Show October 10 -14 in Annapolis. Cash donations will be collected at various events during these two weeks in October.
All donations will go to Team Rubicon USA in The Bahamas, a non-profit disaster response organization made up of military veterans, and will be tax-deductible.
It’s the second time in two years that a devastating earthquake has hit an island nation with deep ties to the boating and cruising community.
In the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017, the boat shows launched their “Hands Across the Transom” fundraising campaign. Chesapeake Bay Magazine helped in the effort, throwing a Donor Appreciation Party at the show, and when the campaign was all over, $250,000 was raised.
Now, boat show organizers hope the community will show up for Dorian’s victims just like they did in 2017.
“Our hearts go out to the thousands of people impacted by Hurricane Dorian, including our Bahama-based exhibitors, dislocated residents, and Ex-Pat winter guests or cruisers,” said Annapolis Boat Shows’ President, Paul Jacobs. “The destruction has been horrendous and we can’t stand idly by without trying to be of some help.”
To donate online to Team Rubicon, click here.
-Meg Walburn Viviano
