Crowley to Auction a Ride for Four Aboard Seattle's Fastest Tugboat

In the World's Largest Tugboat Race During Seattle Maritime Festival

Auction to Benefit Washington Charity, Ryther Child Center

Bids are now being accepted on eBay for a chance to win a ride for four aboard Crowley's winningest tugboat, Hunter, as it races against the field in Seattle Maritime Festival's annual tugboat race on Saturday, May 14. 

All proceeds from the auction, which will be open through Friday, May 6, will benefit the Seattle-based not-for-profit Ryther Child Center, a recognized leader in behavioral health services for Washington state children and their families facing complex challenges. The bidding will begin at $100.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience will give the winner and three guests (children over the age of 12) the opportunity to ride the tug Hunter - which is considered the fastest tugboat on the West Coast ­- as it competes in the Class A Unlimited Race against several of the fastest tugboats in Elliott Bay across the Downtown Seattle Harbor. This year's festival and race will be especially memorable, as it will also serve as part of the Port of Seattle's 100th anniversary celebration.

"The Hunter has won every single year that it has competed since 1995," said Crowley's Chris Peterson, vice president, marine services. "And this year should be no exception. This is a great opportunity for a group to take part in the excitement while also giving back to a worthwhile cause."

Tugboat Races

As part of Crowley's company-wide efforts to give back to the communities in which it works, the Seattle office has chosen to support Ryther through fundraisers and volunteerism.

"Our employees selected Ryther as the focus of this year's philanthropic efforts because it is a meaningful organization that impacts so many local children and families," said Peterson. "We are pleased to provide this ride along opportunity to four lucky bidders while supporting Ryther."

To participate in the auction, visit eBay and register as a user. Unsuccessful bidders are still encouraged to contribute to Ryther by making a donation online at http://www.ryther.org/index.htm.

Ryther is a recognized leader in behavioral health services for Washington state children and their families facing complex challenges. Founded in 1885, Ryther is one of the region's most enduring nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable children and their families. As a thought-leader in our field, we evolved from the traditional orphanage model in the 1930s and refocused our mission to treat troubled children using innovative and proven therapeutic techniques. Today, we serve children and adolescents referred by parents, physicians, state agencies, courts, schools and other providers working with children. We have expanded our services to include programs and solutions for families with children who have challenges stemming from trauma, mental illness, substance abuse, autism spectrum disorders, or adjustment issues with school, peers or parents.