USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, Inc.

As invitations began arriving at area homes and businesses this week, it became apparent that Governor Carcieri's long-expressed support for the the non-profit USS Saratoga Museum Foundation was far more than campaign rhetoric. The Governor and his wife Susan will open their Saunderstown home to host a fundraising event benefiting the Saratoga project.

The event, themed as the "Big Picnic" will take place Sunday June 8 from 4 p.m. to sunset. Guy Abelson will coordinate a joint effort of a number of area vendors to provide an exciting variety of picnic specialties, liquid refreshment and live music.

Overall proceeds will benefit the USS Saratoga Museum Foundation's effort to open the retired aircraft carrier as a family attraction and education center at Quonset /Davisville. Proceeds from a silent and live auction will specifically benefit the Museum's educational and summer camp programs.

Last month the governor's advisory committee presented its new vision for Quonset/Davisville development to both the Quonset/Davisville Management Corporation and Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation boards. This vision included Saratoga at the north side of Pier 2 in Davisville.

"Soon after Governor Carcieri was elected, he and Mrs. Carcieri came to our Christmas party and told our volunteers they wanted to be personally involved in seeing the Saratoga project become a reality," said USS Saratoga Museum Foundation President Frank Lennon. "The generous gesture of hosting a party in their home not only raises money directly, but it also sends an important signal to everyone in Rhode Island that we now have leadership in the State House that shares this vision."

In the invitation Governor Carcieri writes, "Sue and I encourage you all to help raise the funding necessary to make the Saratoga Museum a reality. We hope you will join us at our home on Sunday, June 8th to support this worthwhile project."

The Foundation hope to accommodate 300 to 400 guests outdoors, with a base ticket price of $125 per person. The governor and his wife have also agreed to host a private VIP reception in their home prior to the party for underwriters and sponsors who participate at a $1000 donation level.

This party signals the end of an 18-month hiatus during which Saratoga leadership and volunteers focused on the Russian submarine in Providence, awaiting the arrival of a new administration that would be more sympathetic to the proposed facility at Quonset.

"After years of frustration, we now have the full and energetic support of a governor who recognizes the project's benefits as an invaluable educational resource and a world-class tourist attraction," added Lennon.

"Sue and I are proud to support the effort to turn the aircraft carrier Saratoga into a museum, memorial, educational center and family attraction on our beautiful Narragansett Bay," concludes Governor Carcieri. "I will do all in my power to put Sara back to work for her country."

The USS Saratoga Museum Foundation also is accepting corporate sponsorships at various levels. For tickets and event information, call 401-823-4200 or 401-831-8696.

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Last Updated:
5/15/03

Photographs from "The Big Picnic" can be found here.

Governor's "Big Picnic" Will Re-launch Saratoga Fundraising Effort

Governor and Mrs. Donald L. Carcieri will host June 8 fundraiser at their Saunderstown home

Photographs from "The Big Picnic"
can be found here.