The Galveston Seafarers Center hosted “An Evening in Paris”, an annual gala benefiting the center, on Saturday evening at the Davidson Ballroom. of Ceremonies Ian White introduced Seafarers Center President Barrett Ingram who presented the Leading Voice Award to Port of Galveston Executive Director Michael Mierzwa and Wharves Board Chair Roland Bassett.  Listen

“The Port of Galveston, as all of you are aware, is a major part of the economic engine of Galveston and we are so pleased to receive this honor,” Bassett said, while suggesting that another choice might have been more appropriate.  “It’s interesting that the Port of Galveston is considered the honoree; but I consider the Seafarers Center the honoree.”

Mierzwa agreed.

“Please understand that really the Port of Galveston is really our tenants, the stevedores, the ILA, the pilots who bring the ships into our port, the tug boats, and all those different businesses that comprise the port,” Mierzwa said.  “But Roland’s right – the honoree should be the Seafarers Center.”

Port Chaplain Karen Parsons presented her annual Seafarer Story, featuring the case of Sampath, a Shri Lankan seaman who burned his hand in an accident aboard a ship last year, detailing the assistance the Seafarers Center and others provided to the seaman.  Listen

Marcus Gibson was the auctioneer for the gala.  Joe Brikha entertained arriving guests with his accordion.  The Ball High Mimes amused the guests before dinner.  The Point Glass, LLC Sea Scouts presented the colors.