Middleton Auctioning Cruises for Foundation Fundraiser

The Middleton Place Foundation is trying a new fundraiser this winter, auctioning off half-day cruises aboard a 104 foot yacht.

A member of the Middleton Place Foundation Board and her husband provided three half-day cruise packages for an auction. The cruises are aboard Freedom, a 104 foot wooden fantail yacht designed by John Trumpy and built in 1926. The 2009 restoration of the yacht won the 2010 World Superyacht Award for “Judges Best Rebuild.”

The cruise packages can be used during the spring or fall of 2013. With five double staterooms, Freedom can accommodate as many as 50 people. Proceeds from the auction will go to the Foundation's Acquisitions Fund.

Absentee bids will be accepted until 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 8 via email at charlesduell@middletonplace.org. The Middleton Place Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization, so bids are tax deductible. Though not generally available to the public, the estimated market value of the cruises are $7,500 each. Gratuity for the crew and a catering are not included, but dockage and fuel are.

For more information, call Sallie Duell at (843)577-5221 or Charles Duell at (843)556-6020.