The Rotary Club of Savannah West is joining forces with The Maritime Bethel at Savannah to host an appreciation and awareness raising ‘People of The Sea’ luncheon at Harbor side Center East at the Hyatt Regency at 2 West Bay Street in Savannah from 12.30-1.30PM on Thursday June 16 2016.

This annual initiative enters its second year with an important reminder that ships carry more than cargo.  Lunch costs $30 with an optional donation to support the Georgia Rotary Student Program.  The event includes a rendition of the National Anthem by nationally acclaimed trumpeter - Chiz Rider, a presentation on the safety, security and wellbeing of seafarers as well as the opportunity to watch ships pass by from the Hyatt Regency’s windows. 

The event is designed to raise awareness about seafarers who are vital to our daily lives as over 90% of everything used by Americans is imported by ship. 

The Maritime Bethel at Savannah is a non-profit organization that advocates for the safety, security and wellbeing of seafarers and provides ‘far away from home’ personal and practical support to seafarers who come into the port of Savannah on big ships from all over the world. The organization urgently needs funds and volunteers to continue with its work in helping seafarers travelling to Savannah - one of the fastest growing seaports in North America. 

Andy Krey, Chaplain and Executive Director of the Maritime Bethel at Savannah comments, “We are very grateful to the Rotary Club of Savannah West who are hosting this lunch to help us raise awareness of the ‘far away from home’ needs of over 78,000 seafarers arriving every year at our seaport.  Since 1981, the Maritime Bethel at Savannah has met seafarers’ needs for shore leave, contacting loved ones at home and providing spiritual nurture.”

Lunch costs $30 and reservations are required by Monday June 13.   For reservations call or text 912-441-4640 or write to M.B.S. at PO Box 884, Rincon, GA 31326.