MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (January 5, 2016) – The annual Town of Mount Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival beneficiary application is now available at www.ComeOnOverMP.com for nonprofits that serve the Mount Pleasant community and wish to participate in the festival.
Since its inception 29 years ago as a way for local shrimpers and fishermen to give thanks to their supporters while also giving back to the community that supports them, the Town of Mount Pleasant has chosen local 501(c)(3) nonprofit beneficiaries to receive the net proceeds from the event.
The application deadline is January 21 and the beneficiary will be announced on February 10.
The proceeds from the festival, which is free for the public to attend are largely dependent upon sponsorship revenue and event-day memorabilia sales. The selected beneficiary is required to recruit and organize a minimum of 50 volunteers who contribute significantly to the festival’s success.
“Our nonprofit partners play an essential role in helping to make the festival possible,” said Special Events Planner Nicole Harvey. “The town is proud to carry on the tradition begun decades ago by the Magwood family by giving festival proceeds to a nonprofit that supports those in need in our town.”
The Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival aims to promote local fishermen and the Town's seafood heritage, educate the public on the importance of supporting local fishermen and buying wild-caught and local seafood, and to give back to the community by donating proceeds to a nonprofit that supports its residents.
The last Sunday of every April, local ministers bless the local fleet for a safe and bountiful season ahead. Since 2013, each Shem Creek shrimping or fishing boat owner who registers and participates in the blessing boat parade receives $500.
For more information, visit ComeOnOverMP.com or facebook.com/MountPleasantBOTF.