SAFE HARBOR NEWPORT SHIPYARD TO HOST ANNUAL ‘PUMPKIN REGATTA’ FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, TO BENEFIT DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COMMUNITY CENTER
Yacht captains and crew, Shipyard employees and tenants, and friends in the yachting community are invited to attend on Friday, October 14 to race pumpkins and raise funds for MLK Center in Newport, RI
On Friday, October 14, the local yachting community is invited to Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard to paddle in the Shipyard’s annual “Pumpkin Regatta” to raise funds for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Newport, RI from 4:00-7:00pm. Food from Tito’s Tacos will be served along with beverages thanks to sponsors RC Marine Electric, SKYLINK Tek, Newport Yacht Builders, and Casey’s Oil & Propane.
“Every year, the outpouring of support for our chosen charity and everyone’s desire to race in our bright orange pumpkins is a fantastic way to celebrate the arrival of fall and say thank you to our captains and crew before they head south for the winter,” said Michael Millerick, Assistant General Manager of Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard. “Last year we had over 125 people join us to either race or cheer on fellow captains and yacht crew in what has become a fun annual tradition, for a worthy cause. Local residents also joined the fun and the result was over $4,200 raised for the Timothy J. Mills Financial Aid Fund at Sail Newport,” Millerick said.
This year several teams are planning to participate in the relay-style race across the Shipyard’s ‘Main Street’ basin for bragging rights as the fastest team. Teams are allowed to race more than once to best their own time, and there will be prizes for fastest team & best costumes. “The energy around the Pumpkin Regatta is always lighthearted and festive, which is a nice outlet for captains and crew who are often working long days getting ready for their return to warmer climates,” continued Millerick. “We hope to keep this tradition going for many years to come.”
“We’re thrilled the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center will benefit from this fun and iconic event, especially as we celebrate our centennial year” said Heather Hole Strout, Executive Director of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. “The Center is just a few blocks away from Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard. It’s incredibly impactful when a business neighbor partners with us to help sustain our work. Funds from the Pumpkin Regatta will support our hunger relief, education and community programs that are vital resources for our Newport County neighbors. We’re so grateful.”
Paddlers and spectators are asked to pay $25 each to enter and there will also be a raffle, silent auction and direct donation opportunities available during the event.
Local Newport businesses who have generously donated products and overnight stays for the silent auction and raffle include: The Brenton Hotel; CK Bradley; Clarke Cooke House; Gold’s Wine and Spirits; Newport Marriott; Monelle Newport; Onne van der Wal Photography & Video; Safe Harbor Race Weekend; Spindrift Spiked; and al fresco Composites.. “A big thanks to our donors and sponsors who are helping to make this annual event a huge success,” Millerick concluded.
For more information, contact: Veronica Brown, 401-855-0945 or email: vbrown@shmarinas.com. Click here to register or to make a donation to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center: https://www.newportshipyard.com/events/pumpkinregatta-2022
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About Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard: Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard is one of the most popular and recommended shipyards in the United States. The full-service marina and shipyard has over 3,500 linear feet of dock space that can accommodate yachts longer than 300 feet. Its amenities include a dockside café, ship store, fitness center, and marina vehicles. Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard is host to many prestigious yachting events including the Newport Charter Yacht Show, Gosling’s Rum Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard Crew Party for the biennial Newport to Bermuda Race, Safe Harbor Race Weekend, Newport Yacht Rendezvous benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County, and Newport Brokerage Boat show. For more information, visit: www.shmarinas.com
About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center: Founded in 1922 and renamed honoring Dr. King in 1968, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center is a central service provider for at-risk individuals, families, and seniors. An independent nonprofit, the MLK Community Center fights hunger, promotes health, educates young and school-aged kids, supports families, and engages seniors. The MLK’s mission is to nourish, educate, and support Newport County residents to improve their economic, social, and physical well-being. For more information: www.MLKCCenter.org