Photo by Dylan Balle

Tall Ships 2003 was an event that can never be duplicated, and volunteers made it happen. Over 150 volunteers from all areas of Northwest Ohio arrived to ‘build’ the Tall Ships program, Toledo’s largest-ever maritime celebration. Their contributions were nothing less than spectacular. I encourage and appreciate their volunteerism and urge them to look past the headlines and embrace a job well done.

Toledoans were happy, the American Sail Training Association (ASTA) was happy, the ships’ captains and crew were very happy, restaurant business was superb, and of course, the Park Board was thrilled to see thousands of people in our beloved community park. When all was said and done, we were simply exhausted. And for good reason. Volunteers managed every aspect of the event; from crew transportation to ship refueling, from grocery shopping to crew activities, from on-water parades to endless fundraising. Volunteers coordinated daily ship tours, managed phone lines and e-mails, hosted a magnificent Captain’s Dinner and Award Ceremony, coordinated expansive and exceptional media coverage, and came under budget in all cases with the sad exception of “Security”. The exception to the overbilled (not over spent) security was the Coast Guard. We admire the Coast Guard for their services, provided at no cost to the committee. Had it not been for community donations, Tall Ships would have never been. The committee raised the nearly half a million dollar budget, with substantial support from the Ohio Bicentennial Commission, the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority and Huntington Bank. You can not place a value on their community leadership.

Many volunteers went beyond the call of duty to ensure that not only did the public have a great visit but that the ships and their crews felt as welcomed as possible to the City of Toledo. We thank the volunteers who hosted crew events such as pizza and pool parties, clam bakes, barbecues and a host of activities at various yacht clubs. The Toledo Rowing Club, perfect park neighbors, gave generously to the crew.

While many volunteers had a visible presence, some were the core of the event, but transparent to the public. I would like to thank the entire International Park Advisory Board of Greater Toledo, Inc. for having the foresight two and a half years ago and the courage to take on the event, knowing you would be crucified, audited, and investigated. They took on all the risk, and enjoyed none of the spoils. I would especially like to thank Walt Edelen, President, Kelly Rivera, Gary Wyse, Gerry Kruzel, Rita Barnes and Karen Dupler. Without their leadership, this event would not have happened. Thank you for volunteering 18 hour days. It was our first large event, and we all learned exponentially. I placed enormous faith in these people, and they always came through. They risked career and reputation, lost family time, and should be recognized.

Not important are the number of paying sightseers through the gate; over 100,000 people came to see the ships. Not important is the lost revenue; we’re volunteers, we make things happen on a zero budget. Not important is overrun security costs; not everyone is willing to give of their time. Not important is a missing $1,000; this event’s price tag was $500,000. Not important are the few who profited; the rest of us walked away with empty pockets but full hearts. This event was not mismanaged, if anything, it was over managed. We managed a 1,000 obstacles. One went wrong. That’s a win. Tall Ships 2003 was not a failure, it was an unprecedented success. If Norman Rockwell painted small-town big-time maritime celebrations, it would look like Tall Ships 2003. The event was near perfection. Toledo was alive...and proud. We did not allow this event to pass us by. But, no good deed will go unpunished...in Toledo.

Every person that gave of themselves; be proud. Tall Ships was a wonderful event for Toledo and Northwest Ohio. This event brought people to Toledo. I sincerely applaud each and every volunteer who gave from the heart. Take a bow, you all deserve so much more then you have received. We regret that you, our sponsors, and the organizers have had to pay such a heavy price for your commitment to community.
It would be an honor and privilege to work with you again.

Kathy Harwick
Volunteer Coordinator,
Tall Ships Toledo 2003

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