As the Point Defiance Launch manager, I've come to know Dave Greenberger over the last 7 or 8 years. The Jeanette is Dave's home, his primary means of transportation, and his livelihood. Tragedy struck Dave and the Jeanette in the early morning hours of August 20th when she got stuck, was rolled with the tide, and capsized. A group of us down at the waterfront are raising funds to help with the salvage and repair of the Jeanette.

Loads of folks in the South Sound know Dave, but what you may not know is that Dave was orphaned at age 7 and decided to go to sea at age 14 to start making his way in the world. At 22, he started living on the Jeanette and has been for the last 62 years. He made his way up and down the West Coast fishing professionally and grabbing jobs where he could, like night security for the Tacoma Yacht Club and helping get the Blue Goose in Port Orchard off the ground.

Through all his struggles, Dave has never been homeless. But now, not only has he lost his home, but all his belongings. Socks, tools, electronics, pro fishing gear. Gone.

The goal is to get the Jeanette livable and functional so Dave can get back to what he's known. The boat has been raised, but it will take some work to get her operational again. Let's get one of the world's last great adventurers back in the water