Last year, the SS United States Conservancy's purchase of the SS United States saved the vessel from certain scrapping. This year, the Conservancy celebrated the 60th anniversary of the ship's historic maiden voyage. However, our work is not yet done.While we've been making progress every day toward securing a sustainable future for the SS United States and laying the groundwork for the SS United States Center for Design and Discovery, the vessel's maintenance costs are formidable. We have moved much closer to securing the ship's redevelopment, but terms are still being negotiated and success is not guaranteed. Without a major infusion of funds in the near future, the vessel's future is in dire jeopardy. To lose the SSUnited States while she's still capable of being saved would be an unspeakable tragedy.We know that you are inundated with requests from worthy causes at this time of year, but we hope you will give the Conservancy your serious consideration. If you itemize deductions, there may be a tax benefit to making charitable donations before year's end in light of uncertainties around "fiscal cliff" negotiations.Your fully tax-deductible donation of $1,000, $500, $100, $25 — or whatever amount you can spare — will make a huge difference in our efforts. Read the full end-of-year letter from Conservancy Executive Director Susan Gibbs HERE.