BUFFALO (WBEN) - Last week, Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military officials announced that emergency restoration would need to be performed on the USS The Sullivans to repair holes in the hull or else she would sink.
On Wednesday, Scott Bieler and Brad Hafner of West Herr Automotive Group presented a check for $50,000 to Paul Marzello, president and CEO of the Park.
The Buffalo and Erie County Military & Naval Park has exceeded its goal to raise $100,000 for emergency hull repairs for USS The Sullivans, but park officials are now focused on raising the $1,000,000 needed for permanent repairs to the ship. At last count, a total of $230,000 has been raised with more donations coming in.
"We knew Buffalo being the City of Good Neighbors would come through and raise the money needed to keep The Sullivans from sinking, we didn't know we would exceed our initial goal by such a significant amount," Marzello. "Donations came in and continue to come in from veterans, family members of veterans, the general public, and the business community. The generosity of the people of Western New York is incredible."
The plan to permanently repair the hull requires a full underwater team of divers that will apply an epoxy coating to the entire exterior hull of the ship. The process creates a water-tight barrier that strengthens and protects the thin steel of the hull from further deterioration and is expected to take 3-4 months to complete.
"In addition of making a major contribution to the All Hands On Deck campaign, Douglas Jemal stepped in and has agreed to captain the next phase of our fundraising effort to raise a total of $1,000,000..." added Marzello.
