GALVESTON ISLAND, Texas (May 19, 2014) – Galveston Naval Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting seafaring military men and women, is donating more than $90,000 to the Seafarers Center of Galveston. The generous donation will help to offset the costs of several ongoing maintenance needs facing the Seafarers Center’s more than 140-year-old facility. 

Ernest Connor, a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, along with fellow board members William A. Ross, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and Jay Donnella, chose to give to the Seafarers Center because “we want to support an organization with a similar mission statement to our own.  Our goal was always to give back to the service men and women who made their way through the Port of Galveston.”

 The core values of the Seafarers Center are consistent with the Galveston Naval Foundation’s wishes. “Our mission is to take care of everyone who sails in to the Port of Galveston,” said Karen Parsons, full time chaplain for the Seafarers Center, “We thank the Galveston Naval Foundation so much for thinking of us.  They’ll remain in our thoughts and prayers wherever they end up.”

The Seafarers Center of Galveston is housed in the John Koobbel Building, which has a rich maritime history that dates back to circa 1870.  The Moody Foundation owns the facility and has provided use of the building to the United Ministry to the Port of Galveston as long as it is used as the Seafarers Center.

The Seafarers Center offers a safe haven for seafarers far from home.  The organization provides spiritual guidance and counseling both on and off ships.  They also provide cell phone service for those unable to leave their ship as well as other comforts to help ease the distance for seafaring souls far from home.

About Seafarers Center of Galveston

The Seafarers Center of Galveston was founded in 1973 as an ecumenical venture of the Episcopal, Greek Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic Churches.  Supported also by the Men’s Propeller Club, The West Gulf Maritime Association, Galveston Maritime Club and other generous donors, the Seafarers Center’s mission is to provide seafarers of the world a safe place to rest, relax and enjoy the freedom of religious expression; to regain contact with family and friends; and to provide counseling and comfort in times of need.

About Galveston Naval Foundation

Galveston Naval Foundation (GNF) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the men and women in uniform who stop in at Galveston Island, Texas.  Their mission is to offset the cost of Naval and Coast Guard events that would normally impact the Morale and Welfare Fund of a visiting ship.  GNF has supported such events as the commissioning of the USS Fort Worth, USS Ross and USS Texas, among others at Pier 21®.  Their contributions have helped cover the costs of ship commissioning for the service men and women who stop in the Port of Galveston.

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