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 The Dive Pirates Foundation of The Woodlands, Texas, recently raised nearly $30,000 to help fund a dive trip for wounded veterans.
The nonprofit organization completed its 4th annual major fund-raiser, “The Pirates Ball,” Feb. 28 at the Downtown Aquarium in Houston. The proceeds will be used to train, equip and fund a Caribbean scuba trip for divers with disabilities, primarily those injured in the Iraqi War.
“I am so thankful for the Houston community for once again showing their trust and belief in us by supporting this worthy cause,” said Barbara Thompson, chairperson for the event. “We set a record for 150 people.
Supporters from around the country came in formal attire with a touch of pirate regalia provided by Master of Ceremonies Fox News anchor Jose Griñan, Thompson added.
The keynote speaker was a 2007 recipient, Sean Barr, USMC (ret), a quadriplegic.
“I know that I will always be paralyzed and rely on the wheelchair," he noted during his talk. "But when I dive, it feels like I have all of my body back again. I have Dive Pirates to thank for getting me back to the water that I have always loved.”
Among the guests at the Ball was Vicki Kaiser of Cayman Brac, representing the island and its commitment to Dive Pirates. Kaiser was one of six dive instructors who were certified in 2007 to work with adaptive divers as a part of the ongoing relationship between Brac Reef Beach Resort, Reef Divers II and Dive Pirates.
“I came to show my support for Sean and the program," Kaiser said, "but I was blown away by the support of the Houston community to this cause, and I can’t wait to come back for next year’s ball.”
Dive certification agency Scuba Schools International has been supportive of Dive Pirates. Randy Wright of the Dive Shop in Memphis represented the SSI management this year and was able to work with adaptive student Dawn Halfaker, Capt US Army (ret), last summer in Memphis through the Dive Pirates.
“I loved working with Dive Pirates, and I really want to encourage as many SSI facilities as possible to get on board with this great organization,” said Wright.
“We want this to be a national organization with as many chapters as possible,” said Sophie Wimberley, Dive Pirates co-founder. “We will continue to work with SSI to make this a reality for as many disabled persons who want to learn to dive and take on this adventure.”
This year’s Dive Pirate adventure is planned for June 7 - 14 at the Brac Reef Beach Resort in Cayman Brac. Spots are still available for those who want to join the crew.
The Dive Pirates Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing scuba diving to persons with disabilities and joining them with the mainstream of divers. Its vision is to create a community of adaptive divers that will dive and travel in the
mainstream world of scuba diving through education and overcoming obstacles. For more information about the foundation or to get a spot on the June trip, go to http://www.divepirates.org. go to www.divepirates.org.
Pictured above are instructor Vicki Kaiser and keynote speaker Sean Barr.
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