Wesley's Pride Restoration
Donation protected
The Wesley’s Pride launched August of 1997. She was built by Capt. Billy Varnum, a Master Builder of shrimp boats. Capt. Billy handcrafted the Wesley’s Pride for Capt. WC Evans. Capt. WC’s plans were for his son Jeff, to be the Captain and own the Wesley’s Pride. Today, Capt. Jeff owns the Wesley’s Pride. It has been told that the Wesley’s Pride may have been the last boat Capt. Billy Varnum built, because of health issues. Capt. WC and Capt. Billy are shrimping in heaven, today.
We Need Your Help!
Capt. Jeff and his family have suffered a terrible loss, losing a shrimp boat (your livelihood) is like a death in a family. Seven fire departments responded on that tragic day. It’s a huge financial loss for Capt. Jeff and his family. The Wesley’s Pride was not insured due to the complexity of today’s insurance underwriting, and aging of wooden commercial fishing vessels are essentially uninsurable. With imported shrimp being sold cheaper, bringing our wholesale prices so low, along with the increase in fuel prices, it was forcing many shrimpers out of the business. Shrimpers just left their boats tied to the dock, and sadly the Wesley’s Pride was one of those boats. The shrimping industry began to turn around when people started wanting fresh (Farm to table) seafood. Fuel prices began to decrease and the window of opportunity opened. Capt. Jeff, knew this would be his one and only chance to break The Wesley's Pride from her ties. The old girl needed a lot of work, but it didn't matter. Capt. Jeff was determined to let her work again. She was built solid by Capt. Billy and she was the “Wesley's Pride.” Just the her name made her strong. With help from his family, Capt. Jeff worked 9 months straight on the old girl, with only 2 days off to get her ocean ready. She made one haul, before the fire.
We have been told she may not be burned beyond repair, and put out of business. Our goal is to help Capt. Jeff go back to doing what he loves, and the only trade he knows, because “He is a son of a Shrimper.”
We Need Your Help!
Capt. Jeff and his family have suffered a terrible loss, losing a shrimp boat (your livelihood) is like a death in a family. Seven fire departments responded on that tragic day. It’s a huge financial loss for Capt. Jeff and his family. The Wesley’s Pride was not insured due to the complexity of today’s insurance underwriting, and aging of wooden commercial fishing vessels are essentially uninsurable. With imported shrimp being sold cheaper, bringing our wholesale prices so low, along with the increase in fuel prices, it was forcing many shrimpers out of the business. Shrimpers just left their boats tied to the dock, and sadly the Wesley’s Pride was one of those boats. The shrimping industry began to turn around when people started wanting fresh (Farm to table) seafood. Fuel prices began to decrease and the window of opportunity opened. Capt. Jeff, knew this would be his one and only chance to break The Wesley's Pride from her ties. The old girl needed a lot of work, but it didn't matter. Capt. Jeff was determined to let her work again. She was built solid by Capt. Billy and she was the “Wesley's Pride.” Just the her name made her strong. With help from his family, Capt. Jeff worked 9 months straight on the old girl, with only 2 days off to get her ocean ready. She made one haul, before the fire.
We have been told she may not be burned beyond repair, and put out of business. Our goal is to help Capt. Jeff go back to doing what he loves, and the only trade he knows, because “He is a son of a Shrimper.”
Organizer and beneficiary
Madison Justice
Organizer
Supply, NC
Jane Evans
Beneficiary