FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2005

Contact: USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, Inc.
      Frank Lennon
      (401) 831-8696

      The Feinstein Foundation
      Alan Shawn Feinstein
      (401) 467-5155

"I believe this project would be of great benefit to Rhode Island, which makes the investment eminently worthwhile," said Feinstein. "I am intrigued by the idea of the smallest state having the largest warship in the world ever open to the public. This is going to be a major tourist draw which will bring new money into Rhode Island, and a shot in the arm for the local economy."

"We are absolutely thrilled that Mr. Feinstein believes enough in our vision to make such a substantial gift," said Frank Lennon, leader of the Saratoga effort. "Mr. Feinstein's generosity represents a quantum leap forward toward our goal of raising $10 million by May 1, 2007," said Lennon.

"A commitment of this magnitude in these tough budget times demonstrates the enormous potential of this project as a community resource," said Lennon. "Just as importantly, it continues the momentum created by Governor Carcieri's decision a few months ago to keep this project alive and move it forward," Lennon concluded.

The first $100,000 of the commitment has been structured as a challenge grant, meaning that the Feinstein Foundation will match donations up to that amount on a dollar for dollar basis, thus doubling the impact of those gifts.

"The local business and financial communities should respond very favorably to the Feinstein commitment," said former Congressman Bob Weygand, Honorary Chairman of the Saratoga Board of Trustees. "This kind of investment represents the type of creative thinking and partnerships that will push this project forward. In the end, this means more jobs, more dollars spent in the community, and more vitality for our state."

Feinstein, who is best known for his successful national campaign to fight hunger, also runs a program for Rhode Island elementary and secondary school students designed to get them involved with community service at an early age. He agrees there is a natural tie-in between the "service above self" theme that he promotes in local schools and universities, and the service that members of our armed forces have provided to our country over the years.

"The Saratoga plan also dovetails nicely with my efforts to instill the importance of community service in our youngsters. I am committed to working with Saratoga leadership to spread this service message," he concluded.

Feinstein says he hopes his donation will spur others to donate money.

"One of the reasons I made this commitment was because I was impressed with the caliber of those who have already signed on to this project-people such as Bob Galkin, Congressman Bob Weygand and a number of others I respect," added Feinstein. "Hopefully, my involvement will have the same effect on others contemplating contributions."

The Saratoga project leadership believes the value of the Feinstein contribution goes well beyond the actual dollars involved.

"Alan Shawn Feinstein's reputation for generous support to worthy community organizations is well known, his name recognition is very high, and when he sets his mind to supporting something he gets it done," said Lennon. "He becomes evangelical, and his energy level is incredible."

"I will do all in my power to make sure the vision for Saratoga is realized," agrees Feinstein. "I've already started in the schools and on my weekly Channel 36 TV program, encouraging youngsters to write letters describing the good deeds they have done. One of the elements of our plan is to have all these letters archived aboard Saratoga, so that the kids and their families will know their words and actions have been preserved forever."

Lennon confirms that the message of the importance of community service and the values of caring, compassion and brotherhood will be emphasized in the Saratoga project. "We are committed to work with Alan to emphasize the point that no one is too young to make a positive difference," said Lennon.

In addition to archiving the letters, ongoing display of posters and/or other exhibits produced by Feinstein Junior Scholars will also be displayed aboard the ship. The partnership agreement also includes free admission to the ship for Feinstein Junior Scholars when accompanied by a paid family member.

Storage space will also be made available to Feinstein's hunger campaign and other humanitarian initiatives.

Other details of the partnership and the timing of release of the funds were not announced, although both parties acknowledged that "some" cash had already been made available to the Saratoga operation. The majority of the gift is conditioned upon the project actually opening to the public and continuing as a viable operation.

In the relatively few weeks since the Quonset board voted to reserve the space for the aircraft carrier at Davisville, the Foundation has raised more than $3 million.

"This validates our contention that we would be able to raise money once we had site control, along with approval from the state to move forward," said Lennon. "At this year's reunion of Saratoga veterans, we raised ten times as much money as we did last year, and it's all because people now view this project as having a real chance of success."

The USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit and an all-volunteer group, has worked for seven years to turn the vision described above into reality. Further information can be obtained at http://www.saratogamuseum.org

Last Updated:
10/10/05