The Town of Mount Pleasant has chosen the Charleston Port and Seafarers’ Society and East Cooper Meals on Wheels to receive the net proceeds of the 30th annual Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival presented by East Cooper Medical Center and Harris Teeter.
Both local nonprofit organizations share a long history of helping to make the festival a meaningful occasion for Shem Creek fishermen and shrimpers as well as a favorite pastime for the Lowcountry community.
“We are thrilled to support ChaPSS and ECMOW during this special anniversary, not only because they do so much good in our community but also because both nonprofits have been instrumental in helping us bring this festival to life for so many of the last 30 years,” said Nicole Harvey, special events manager for the Town of Mount Pleasant. Based in Mount Pleasant, the Charleston Port and Seafarers’ Society welcomes and serves the needs of the men and women who make their livelihood in the port or at sea, offering fellowship as well as transportation to help crew members with personal needs such as shopping and doctor appointments.
“On behalf of the Charleston Port and Seafarers’ Society, I want to thank the Town of Mount Pleasant for her gift in support of the Seafarers’ ministry, continuing a 196-year tradition of reaching out to those from around the world who make their livelihood at sea,” said Father Len Williams. “Thanks to the generosity of our partners in the tri-county area, we are able to offer our services free and we are grateful for the support from the Blessing of the Fleet organizers.”
East Cooper Meals on Wheels responds to hunger among homebound residents without charging for meals by activating 440 volunteers who will deliver more than 148,000 meals this year.
“East Cooper Meals on Wheels is very grateful to be involved once again,” said Chris Brooks, director of community relations. “We have often been a part of this special celebration of what Mount Pleasant is all about since the very beginning. It is community support like this that allows us to serve the broad East Cooper region with no fees required and no waiting list. Our mission is twofold, eliminating hunger and improving health for seniors, those who are disabled and those temporarily homebound. This will definitely help and we are thankful.”
This year’s festival is scheduled for Sunday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Memorial Waterfront Park on the Charleston Harbor.