June and the prospect of warmer weather brings about a bevy of activities by Port Councils around the country. Two of them – located in opposite ends of the U.S. – just completed their annual events designed to help others in their communities.
With a little help from their brothers and sisters in Florida and Georgia, the Greater South Florida Maritime Trades Council had a “blast” raising more than $35,000 for the Lymphoma/Leukemia Society on June 1.
Nearly 100 union members took part in that council’s fourth annual Shoot for a Cure in Okeechobee, FL. Participants either bring their own or are provided shotguns to shoot clay targets at more than a dozen different stations. Shoot for a Cure holds more than two dozen union-sponsored events across the country and has raised more than $1 million to help find a cure.
“As word has spread, our participation has grown each year,” noted PMC Secretary-Treasurer Kris Hopkins. “This is something different and people really seem to enjoy it.”
A week later, along the country’s “Fourth Coast,” members of the Cleveland Port Maritime Council held its annual golf outing in Euclid, OH.
This function draws participants from nearly one dozen unions for fellowship and to raise funds for local charities and scholarships.
“Our members see this event as the beginning of summer,’ stated PMC President John Baker. “It’s a chance to get outside and enjoy being others in our union community.”