BUFFALO (WBEN) - The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park has officially launched the largest fundraising campaign in the 40-year history of the Park. With a goal of $1 million, Save The Sullivans kicked off Wednesday evening to help make permanent repairs to the hull of the USS The Sullivans.
Douglas Jemal of Douglas Development has volunteered to act as Campaign Captain.
"We have an event to raise $1 million to do the necessary repairs on the USS The Sullivans," said Jemal at the private fundraiser hosted by the prominent developer Wednesday. "St. Patrick's Day - it's a very special day to honor a very special family that gave their lives so that we could be here today."
USS The Sullivans is a 78-year-old Fletcher-Class destroyer that saw action in World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War is a major attraction at The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park. USS The Sullivans is named in honor of the five Sullivan brothers who, serving together on the light cruiser USS Juneau, were all killed in action on its sinking around November 13, 1942.
Kelly Sullivan, the granddaughter of Albert Sullivan, the youngest of the five Sullivan brothers, made the trip to Buffalo from her home on Waterloo, Iowa, to be at the campaign launch event.
"The Sullivan family is completely overwhelmed by the community support here in Buffalo - it's wonderful," said Sullivan. "The whole motto 'City of Good Neighbors' is definitely apparent here."
Jemal was asked why he felt so compelled to lead the charge in this fundraising effort.
"If not me, who? If not now, when?" asked Jemal. "I was fortunate enough to take the initiative to step up to the plate."
In an effort to draw in more participation to the Save The Sullivans campaign, the Naval Park is asking all people with the last name Sullivan to contribute to the effort by making a $5.00 donation.
Contributions to the Save the Sullivans campaign can be made online at SAVETHESULLIVANS.ORG.
