Lost At Sea Memorial Ceremony Fund
Donation protected
The Lost At Sea Memorial was established in 2005 by the family of Johnny W. Brown. A well known commercial fisherman in Murrells Inlet, SC, Johnny was loved by many. On April 5, 2005 the fishing vessel Johnny was aboard was hit by a rogue wave off the coast of NC. Two of the crewmembers including the Captain were rescued but Johnny was never found. In the aftermath and greif of their loss, Johnny's family had to deal with the realization that his remains were gone. A traditional funeral and burial would not be something they could plan. Instead a celebration of his life helped them get through their dark time. Afterwards the idea was born to build a monument to honor all those lost at sea.
In the weeks following Johnny's loss a memorial account was established, a website was designed, and fundraisers were planned. For instance t-shirts, car magnets, and bracelets were sold. Many area businesses and friends supported the family and helped to raise the money.
During the next months while fundraising proceeded the family found a monument company to deisgn the monument. It was to be 7 foot tall, black granite with three sides. On one side would be a life size etching of Johnny and on the other two sides would be space dedicated to adding names. The panel for Johnny's image was sent to Georgia to a renowned artist that would etch the image into the granite.
Once the monument was in the design phase the family had to decide where it would be placed. After countless conversations and meetings with Georgetown SC's County Council a location in Morse Park on the waterfront in Murrells Inlet,SC was decided upon. The monuments placing was perfect as it faced the jetty's with Johnny's image watching over the boats that came and went.
Fundraising continued through the next months and on the one year anniversary of Johnny's loss the monument was unveiled. The family, friends, and community had raised over $30,000 to see to it that it all happened. It was unveiled on the 1 year anniversary of Johnny's loss. We have attached a video that shows the monument being erected and the historical unveiling.
To date there are 30 names on the monument. They came from all walks of life. Some were lost in wars, some were lost during rescue missions at sea. There are fishermen, as well as harbor pilots. You can find their individual stories on our webite www.lostatseamemorial.com We encourage you to read them and pray for the families that have endured the pain of losing a loved one to the sea.
Each year we host a ceremony on the first Sunday of April. Families submit applications for names they would like to see added. If the applicant qualifies according to the Lost At Sea criteria then the memorial fund pays to have the name added. The fund also pays each year for renting chairs, printing programs, website and miscellaneous operation cost. Johnny's family volunteers their personal time to keep the monument and fund going. There are no paid members of their board or memorial fund. 100% of all money goes to the memorial fund.
The reason for creating the Go Fund Me page is simple. Since 2005 the money we fundraised has been depleted. While other fundraisers are in the planning stages, the family felt that this page would be a quick easy way for people to donate. The ceremony each year cost approximiately $600 to host. If a name is added there is an additional cost of $250-$300 dollars. It does not take a lot to keep the fund afloat but donations are always helpful. The family wants to see the Lost At Sea Memorial continue to bring solitude and peace to the families that are affected. Many families attend the ceremony each year and would appreciate your kind donations.
In the weeks following Johnny's loss a memorial account was established, a website was designed, and fundraisers were planned. For instance t-shirts, car magnets, and bracelets were sold. Many area businesses and friends supported the family and helped to raise the money.
During the next months while fundraising proceeded the family found a monument company to deisgn the monument. It was to be 7 foot tall, black granite with three sides. On one side would be a life size etching of Johnny and on the other two sides would be space dedicated to adding names. The panel for Johnny's image was sent to Georgia to a renowned artist that would etch the image into the granite.
Once the monument was in the design phase the family had to decide where it would be placed. After countless conversations and meetings with Georgetown SC's County Council a location in Morse Park on the waterfront in Murrells Inlet,SC was decided upon. The monuments placing was perfect as it faced the jetty's with Johnny's image watching over the boats that came and went.
Fundraising continued through the next months and on the one year anniversary of Johnny's loss the monument was unveiled. The family, friends, and community had raised over $30,000 to see to it that it all happened. It was unveiled on the 1 year anniversary of Johnny's loss. We have attached a video that shows the monument being erected and the historical unveiling.
To date there are 30 names on the monument. They came from all walks of life. Some were lost in wars, some were lost during rescue missions at sea. There are fishermen, as well as harbor pilots. You can find their individual stories on our webite www.lostatseamemorial.com We encourage you to read them and pray for the families that have endured the pain of losing a loved one to the sea.
Each year we host a ceremony on the first Sunday of April. Families submit applications for names they would like to see added. If the applicant qualifies according to the Lost At Sea criteria then the memorial fund pays to have the name added. The fund also pays each year for renting chairs, printing programs, website and miscellaneous operation cost. Johnny's family volunteers their personal time to keep the monument and fund going. There are no paid members of their board or memorial fund. 100% of all money goes to the memorial fund.
The reason for creating the Go Fund Me page is simple. Since 2005 the money we fundraised has been depleted. While other fundraisers are in the planning stages, the family felt that this page would be a quick easy way for people to donate. The ceremony each year cost approximiately $600 to host. If a name is added there is an additional cost of $250-$300 dollars. It does not take a lot to keep the fund afloat but donations are always helpful. The family wants to see the Lost At Sea Memorial continue to bring solitude and peace to the families that are affected. Many families attend the ceremony each year and would appreciate your kind donations.
Organizer
Laura Abernathy
Organizer
