Tribute to the Seventh District to be Held in Fort Lauderdale Planned for September 2020

Stonington, Conn. – The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education and welfare of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today that its 27th annual Tribute to the Seventh Coast Guard District, is rescheduled for Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This event was originally planned for April, but in accordance with Federal and State directives related to COVID-19, and in consideration for the health and safety of its generous supporters, the Foundation is rescheduling all events through June 2020.

At the Fort Lauderdale event the Coast Guard Foundation will honor Coast Guard heroism and mission excellence, as well as recognize the heroic efforts of crews responding to those in need during Hurricane Dorian. Hurricane Dorian was an extremely powerful and devastating Category 5 hurricane, that became the most intense tropical cyclone ever to strike the Bahamas. It first made landfall in the Bahamas on September 1, 2019. Two-weeks after Dorian hit, the Bahamian government reported nearly 70,000 people were displaced by the storm, about 1,300 people were listed as missing and at least 77 deaths were recorded. The Coast Guard sent five MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters operating out of Andros Island, Bahamas and five cutters to the region to assist with rescue and recovery efforts. Before the mission shifted to more long-term care, Coast Guard crews received 1,388 search and rescue calls, conducted 136 aviation sorties, conducted 62 surface sorties and successfully rescued 407 people. 

“We are humbled to recognize the brave men and women of the Coast Guard’s Seventh District for their tireless efforts in the face of nature’s wrath,” said Susan Ludwig, president, Coast Guard Foundation. “Even though these individuals were facing some of the worst weather ever imagined, they performed their duties professionally and effectively and, in many cases, were the difference between life and death.”

The Coast Guard Foundation’s Tribute to the Seventh Coast Guard District will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A cocktail reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. with dinner and the program following at 7:30 p.m.

For more information on the Coast Guard Foundation or its scholarship programs, please visit www.coastguardfoundation.org or call (860) 535-0786.

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About The Coast Guard Foundation
The Coast Guard Foundation is committed to ensuring all Coast Guard members and families have the resources they need to build resilience throughout their lives. Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes and strengthening the entire community. Coast Guard members sacrifice so much to protect our nation. We must stand together and show them our appreciation so they can remain always ready. Join us at CoastGuardFoundation.org.

WHO: The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the education, welfare and morale of all Coast Guard members and their families
WHAT: Coast Guard Foundation Tribute to the Seventh Coast Guard District
WHEN: Wednesday, September 23, 2020 – Cocktail Reception 6:30 p.m., Dinner and Program begin at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE:  Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, 3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33316