On April 26th Seafarers’ House celebrated its 25th Anniversary at the 2014 Golden Compass Gala. Host Andrea Ocampo was on hand to talk with the board members, the supporters and the honoree. This year’s Golden Compass honoree is international seafaring hero Captain Richard Phillips. Seafarers’ House is a multi-faith ministry providing services to seafaring men and women at Port Everglades. The Golden Compass gala took place at the Westin Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Captain Richard Phillips became the focus of the world’s attention in 2009, when his ship was hijacked by Somali pirates. After a five-day standoff in which he displayed exemplary bravery to save his ship, its cargo and his men, Phillips was freed. He wrote a book about the experience, A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea, which was recently turned into an Oscar-nominated blockbuster film starring Tom Hanks.
“We are beyond thrilled to honor Captain Phillips in conjunction with our celebration of our 25th Anniversary” said Seafarers’ House Executive Director Lesley Warrick. “The story of Captain Phillips has done much to draw into the limelight the always fast-paced and often challenging life of merchant mariners who do so much to keep global commerce and international aid moving. Seafarers move 90 percent of the world’s commerce and are very rarely recognized for the hard work and often difficult circumstances of their profession. We’re looking forward to celebrating Captain Phillips achievements, as well as a successful 25 years of service to the maritime community.”
Seafarers’ House was honored as the 2012 International Seafarers’ Center of the Year – the first American center to receive such recognition from the International Committee on Seafarers’ Welfare.
The gala kicked off at 6:00 pm with a cocktail reception and silent auction offering fine wines, artwork, cruises, and more. Dinner and dancing followed at 8:00 pm, and the festivities culminated with the Golden Compass presentation and Captain Phillips’ remarks.
About Seafarers’ House:
Seafarers’ House is a 503(c)3 organization located at Port Everglades that provides practical care and multi-faith pastoral services to mariners. Offering pastoral counseling, religious services, local transportation, access to communications; emergency services and a convenience store, Seafarers’ House has welcomed and provided for the needs of thousands of visiting mariners since 1989. For more information, please visit www.seafarershouse.org
