At the May 17, 2011 Galveston Maritime Club meeting held at Landry’s on the Seawall, our president Gloria Micheletti presented the Galveston Seafarer’s Center Port Chaplain, Karen Parsons, with a check for $2000.00. We would like to encourage the citizens of Galveston to visit the Seafarers Center located at 221 20th Street, Galveston, Texas 77550 to see the wonderful things they provide for our Mariners who visit Galveston from All Nations.
The Galveston Seafarers Center was founded in 1918 to serve the needs of those who work at sea. A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, the Center offers a safe, comfortable haven for seafarers to unwind and connect with family and friends in far away countries. The Seafarers Center van is available to transport seafarers to area shopping, churches and entertainment venues. The Archdiocese of Galveston/Houston generously provides a full-time chaplain who is available for counseling, advocacy and spiritual direction. Their services are provided at no cost to seafarers. Support comes primarily from contributions of shipping companies via a voluntary tariff. Additional funding comes from churches, the local business community, special events, grants and individual gifts. It is a top priority of their mission to reassure mariners that we understand their unique contribution to society and recognize the vital role they play in the facilitation of global trade.
The Galveston Maritime Club was organized in 2000 and certified a non-profit organization in November 2000. We are a small club with approximately 25 members and our purpose is to promote and support the Maritime Industry through scholarships to Texas A&M Galveston (TAMUG) and donations to the Galveston
Seafarers Center.
We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month (except during summer months) at Landry’s on the Seawall at Noon. We would like to invite anyone in the community who is interested in joining our efforts to support these worthwhile causes to join us at our next meeting which is currently scheduled for Tuesday, October 18th, 2011.
Additionally, we are gearing up for our Annual Christmas Auction which is our largest fundraiser of the year. The public is welcome to attend and the event will be held at the Seafarers Center on December 10, 2011 beginning at 6:30 pm. We have received some great auction items and will have a live and silent auction. Please feel free to contact Susan Meads-Leahy at 251-776-2832 or yaaawhojipsy@gmail.com should you be interested in donating items for our event or have additional questions.