Milestone . . .
In a few short weeks, and with little publicity, The Voyage for Autism Awareness has raised it's first $1,000 !
Check it out here:
The Competition is ON . . .
With just a man and his boat, the original goal was $10,000. With the addition of the PFD's Autism Fire Safety Campaign and NBC News' Doug Shimell's coverage of the story (see last weeks post), it seemed a goal of $25,000 was very attainable. It has now been declared that "The Voyage" will try to break the record for a non-corporate team in Philadelphia! The current record of $57,000 was set in 2008 by Jay Brightman and his family, who go door to door and ask for donations at school and in their workplaces. I'm told that Jay is a competitive man and will probably try to break our record! I say BRING IT ON and let's help Autism Speaks fund research and programs for those affected!
A Minor Set-Back . . .
Wind gusts in excess of 60 mph last week lifted 'SPRAY' from her secure winter storage spot, tossing her about 10 feet on to some rocks and up against a fence. Damage to the starboard gunwale where it meets the transom and several dings in the hull were easily repaired, however, attesting to her strength and stubborn personality.
I am now even more confident in her ability to make the grueling trip from DC to NYC safely!
The Net . . .
A volunteer Support Crew has been formed and will man a chase boat for the entire trip! Three selfless members of the PFD - Lt. Bill Drennen, FF. Bill Mattox and FF. John Mooney - have made an awesome commitment that changes the trip from a solo "expedition" to a team effort, increasing my chances of completing the 425 mile marothon safely. These three will now handle navigation and communications for the trip and provide a huge safety net if the April weather pulls any surprises on us. Thanks fellas!
Billy Drennen & his boat with a couple of Retired Members, Asst. Fire Marshall Art Czajkowski & Porsche . . .
A Shaker & a Mover . . .
Tom Murphy of the Barnegat Bay Rowing Club . . .
. . . is The Voyage's Jersey Shore Fund Raising Captain. An avid rower himself, Tom sees how much good can come out of this trip and has done an awesome job of spreading the word in and around Toms River, NJ.
Thanks to the generosity of the local Minuteman Press, Tom is passing these post cards out whenever he gets the chance.
Thanks Tom . . .
Philly's Fire Boats . . .
Lt. Tommy Gaskill, Marine Operations Officer, is now on the project and is coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard Station - Philadelphia to arrange for the festivities when The Voyage arrives.
PFD's Marine Unit 1 . . .
Marine Unit 101 (Reserve) . . .
Check this site often for updates!
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