My name is Ruth. I am an independent maritime artist and sailor, working hard to gain experience toward my captain's license. This year, I have the opportunity of a lifetime to sail with the Tall Ship Elissa from Galveston, TX to New York for the Tall Ship Festival of the 250th Anniversary of the United States. Needless to say, it's a big deal! Visit this link for more info on the event: https://www.visitgalveston.com/galveston250/

For the last three seasons, I've been training and sailing with the Elissa as volunteer crew, doing my part to care for her throughout the year, share her history with trainees during day sails each spring, and help keep her beautiful legacy alive.

This May, the ship will set sail from Galveston, Texas and up the East Coast to New York, making several stops to join other tall ships in this historic celebration. Being part of this journey is a dream come true and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but as a starting small business owner, I need some help to make it possible.

The funds raised will help me gather supplies and gear for the voyage, cover travel expenses, support my business while I'm away, and ensure my pets, Mia and Pierre, are cared for. I don't like asking for help, but this is a rare opportunity and I need a little extra support to prepare for this 4-month adventure. Anything helps—thank you so much for reading, donating, or sharing my story!