Major Donation Extends Campaign to Save the SS United States

On Eve of Final Decision on the Ship's Future, Gift Allows More Time to Rally Around America's Flagship

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Jul 18, 2017, 10:11 ET

NEW YORK, July 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- It was down to the wire again for America's fabled flagship, the SS United States, but an eleventh-hour donation has given the vessel another short reprieve. A $150,000 contribution to the SS United States Conservancy's "We are the United States" campaign on the eve of its conclusion, has prompted a decision to extend the national fundraising and outreach effort to save the iconic vessel.

Photo courtesy of the SS United States Conservancy, Photo by Bill DiBenedetto

The Conservancy, a national nonprofit organization, was just days away from deciding the fate of the world's fastest ocean liner and only ship to bear the nation's name. The donation by cruise industry executive Jim Pollin will extend the grassroots fundraising campaign through mid-September.

The Conservancy had set a goal of raising $500,000 to keep the ship afloat back in May. To date, the "We are the United States" campaign has raised nearly $200,000. The organization's board of directors was scheduled to vote this week on whether to recycle or reef the historic ship.

"This donation gives us more time to raise additional resources for the ship's expenses as we continue to negotiate with prospective developers and secure a permanent location for the vessel," stated the Conservancy's executive director, Susan Gibbs. "Jim Pollin's passion for the SS United States is inspiring and extraordinary. He is a hero to all those who care about saving our nation's heritage."

The Conservancy, which saved the ship from certain destruction in 2011, is actively courting developers and investors to revitalize the vessel as a stationary, mixed-use, landmark destination. The organization is in a race against time to raise the funds to cover the ship's ongoing monthly carrying costs at its current pier in Philadelphia. The Conservancy is also committed to the long-term effort of locating, preserving and showcasing thousands of original artifacts, as well as archival documentation, from America's Flagship.

"There is no doubt in my mind that if the Conservancy can continue to keep the United States afloat that a viable option for her future will be presented," said Pollin. "So much of who we are as a country is represented by this great ship. Americans need to step up now to help save her. The United States is as much a part of our nation as the ground on which we live and work. We cannot allow her to be destroyed. It would be a terrible loss for the nation."

Pollin is the son of the late Abe Pollin who, together with his wife Irene, owned the Washington Capitals and Wizards professional sports teams. The Pollins were also central figures in the revitalization of downtown Washington D.C. and supported a range of philanthropic causes.

"We hope that this generous donation inspires others to contribute and help us secure a bright future for the SS United States. Sixty-five years ago this month the ship returned to New York after her record-breaking maiden voyage, and she became a national heroine. That America's Flagship remains afloat today is a remarkable testament to the ship's resilience and historical importance," said Gibbs.

To contribute to the "We are the United States" campaign, visit www.WearetheUnitedStates.org or the Conservancy's GoFundMe page HERE.

About the SS United States Conservancy
A national nonprofit organization, the SS United States Conservancy leads the global effort to save and repurpose America's Flagship, the SS United States. The Conservancy raises public awareness and financial resources for the maintenance, restoration and ultimate reuse of this iconic vessel and works to ensure that the fastest ocean liner ever to cross the Atlantic remains an inspiration for generations to come. For more information about the SS United States Conservancy and America's Flagship, visit ssusc.org or the Conservancy's Facebook page.

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SOURCE SS United States Conservancy