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We are excited to announce our 4th Annual Boat Shoes & Bow Ties Gala, Auction and Fundraiser, happening June 13th, 6:30pm at the Watercraft Center and Harborside Park! Your past support of the Friends of the Maritime Museum has meant so much to us over the years and we simply cannot do what we do without your ongoing patronage.

Much of the Friends’ work goes on behind the scenes, but as always we are hard at work. Starting our 33rd year of Junior Sailing, moving forward to finished construction of the Maritime Education Center at Gallants Channel, continuing exhibit updates and upgrades as we prepare for the Museum reopening, the Port Of Call Museum Online Store and First Fridays returning in the fall, the upcoming America 250 celebration – these are just a few ways we are supporting and impacting the Museum’s ongoing maritime mission and heritage.

Our previous Boat Shoes & Bow Ties Galas have continued to set the bar very high—thank you!—and we are now well established as a summer tradition of philanthropy, continuing our stewardship for the Maritime Museum through your generosity. This year, our guests will again enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by Seaside Sensations, 2 full bars, inside and out, featuring Margaritas (it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?!) by Sassy Spirits, dancing under the stars and in the Watercraft Center, the always popular Live Auction filled with treasures both local and beyond, and a Silent Auction, too. And don’t forget the fun of seeing how your friends and neighbors embrace the party theme – bow ties & boat shoes – with their creative attire for the evening. This signature event is always a special night for you, our Friends!

Please consider becoming a sponsor for our celebration. We have several sponsorship opportunities available, each with its own perks, including parking across the street (on a busy Friday!) and a special Bubbles & Bivalves Pre-Party reception for sponsors only (featuring oysters from Homegrown Oysters), and a special sponsor-only auction for a prized piece of themed coastal artwork by local artist Sydnor Greene! And by committing your support now, we will be able to recognize you in our marketing, media, social media and website. Just enter your information above for your sponsorship and/or tickets. You make this wonderful event possible every June!

So put on your boat shoes, deck boots, or other nautical footwear and top that off with a coastal casual, yet formal look above (think Jimmy Buffett-style with a bow tie!) and join us for this special fundraiser in support of the Maritime Museum and Friends of the Museum!

Latitude: 34˚ • Attitude: Fun!
We can’t wait to see you at Boat Shoes & Bow Ties 2025!

With much appreciation,

Lee Hinson & Dean Vick

Event Co-Chairs

Tickets are $125.00 for Friends members, and $150.00 for non-members (which includes a Friends gift membership).

Sponsorships of $5,000.00, $2,500.00, $1,000.00 and $500 are available with tickets, pre-party, parking and other perks included:
     Ensign Level: $500.00, includes 2 tickets, Sponsor board recognition, social media
    Commander Level: $1,000.00, includes 4 tickets, Early entry “Bubbles & Bivalves” cocktail hour, Preferred parking (1 space), Sponsor board recognition, social media
    Captain Level: $2,500.00, includes 4 tickets, Early entry “Bubbles & Bivalves” cocktail hour, Preferred parking (1 space), Sponsor board recognition, social media
    Admiral Level: $5,000.00, includes 4 tickets, Early entry “Bubbles & Bivalves” cocktail hour, Preferred parking (1 space), Sponsor board recognition, social media