shrug-l: USS Saratoga (CV-60) Museum update

[Tripp Corbin]

Since the Saratoga as home ported in Jacksonville FL for most of her
commissioned life, I thought some of y'all might be interested in this
update about turning her into a Museum.

Tripp Corbin, GISP
Former USS Saratoga Sailor 88-93


To all Saratoga veterans, community supporters and all of you across 
the country who think the Saratoga Museum project is a good idea:

With the holidays upon us and 2005 coming to a close, please consider 
a tax-deductible year-end contribution to the USS Saratoga Museum 
Foundation, Inc.

We have only good news to report: earlier this year, Rhode Island 
Governor Donald Carcieri recommended our project move forward, and on 
June 20, the State granted us a free two-year option for the needed 
space to moor Sara at the former Quonset/Davisville naval complex..

For the first time, we have a guaranteed place to site this project! 
All the political obstacles have been removed: if we raise $10 
million by May 1, 2007, the project WILL happen!

In the past few months we have already raised more than $3 million. 
Philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein has committed a total of $1.55 
million to the project. We also have a $1 million commitment from the 
Galkin Foundation, a $500,000 bequest, and more than $500,000 in 
other commitments and pledges.

Those responsible for building the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 
Washington faced a similar challenge, and they raised the money they 
needed in donations, from more than 275,000 individuals, companies 
and civic organizations. They proudly say, "Government didn't build 
this monument; the people did."

We want to say the same for Saratoga Park. We are raising funds from 
all over the USA. Ambitious? Absolutely! But we have the ship 
reserved for us; we have a berth for the Saratoga; and we are well on 
the way to raising the needed $10 million.

As an added incentive, Alan Shawn Feinstein has made a $100,000 
challenge grant; that means that every dollar you contribute will be 
matched dollar for dollar, thus doubling the impact of your gift.

In order to receive this generous grant, we must meet certain goals 
and deadlines. We need your gift now.

A donation form is attached; the form can also be downloaded from the 
web site at http://www.saratogamuseum.org/support/feinstein1205.pdf. 
If you prefer you can make a donation online at 
http://www.saratogamuseum.org/form.html or call me personally at 
401-831-8696.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and all the best for the New Year to 
all of you and your loved ones.

Frank Lennon
USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, Inc.