Sunk Ship Gala IV — Supporting Coastal Virginia Waterways

Join VDRF on January 9, 2027, at The Gala 417 for an evening supporting responsible vessel removal and cleaner waterways. Sponsored community feature.

About This Event

Protecting our waterways with VDRF

Adapted from the charity spotlight compiled by Allegra Milisitz for Great Neck Neighbors East.

A boat that has reached the end of its useful life can become a much larger problem when it is left to deteriorate. Abandoned vessels can obstruct navigation, damage nearby property and release fuel, oil and plastics into the water. VDRF gives owners and waterfront communities a practical way to address that problem.

The foundation’s work includes responsible removal and disposal, along with education about the responsibilities that come with boat ownership. Acting before a vessel is abandoned can prevent a difficult situation from becoming a public cleanup project.

Our September charity spotlight highlighted VDRF’s 102nd and 103rd vessel removals. In those projects, a boat owner voluntarily paid the full removal and disposal costs, including a contribution that helped support the foundation’s future work. It was an example of how one owner’s responsible decision can benefit the wider community.

That is the purpose behind the gala: bringing people together to help sustain a useful, visible service for our waterways. Attending, becoming a sponsor or introducing the foundation to a business that wants to help are all ways to take part.