For a third consecutive year, the SS United States Conservancy has been selected as a beneficiary of a $1,000 grant from Navy Federal Credit Union's "Dollars for Doers" program thanks to the passionate support of Stanton Daywalt, a friend of the Conservancy and longtime supporter of the SS United States.
“The passion, dedication, and generosity demonstrated by our incredible network of supporters has always stood as a testament to the lasting impact of the SS United States. The ship’s legacy continues to inspire people the world over and it gives us tremendous confidence as we continue our work to give America's Flagship her much-deserved, long overdue second act,“ said Conservancy President Susan Gibbs. “We are incredibly grateful for Stanton Daywalt's continued generosity, and to Navy Federal Credit Union for their continued support. Stanton’s advocacy for the ship and the Conservancy is proof that everyone can play a crucial role in securing an inspiring future for the Big U.”
The "Dollars for Doers" grant program recognizes, supports, and encourages the contributions of Navy Federal employees' volunteer efforts, awarding a $1000 grant to 100 qualified employee team members, donated to the nonprofit organization of their choice.
Out of hundreds of applications submitted, Stanton Daywalt was selected as a grant recipient, and he has once again chosen to award his grant to the SS United States Conservancy. A longtime admirer of America's Flagship, Stanton first visited the vessel in Newport News, VA, as a young boy in 1989, and then again in 1992 just prior to the towing of the ship to Turkey and Ukraine for remediation. Stanton recently shared with us photos of his lovingly detailed model of the SS United States. The replica features an incredible attention to historical detail, along with such creative flourishes as the initials of the ship's designer, William Francis Gibbs, on the flags attached to the funnels.
Stanton Daywalt recreates his childhood image (top) during a visit to the SS United States in March 2016. (Images courtesy of Stanton Daywalt.)