Watermark’s annual fundraiser for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank on Harbor Queen, the Queen of All Food Drives, during Eastport Yacht Club’s Lighted Boat Parade is going virtual in 2020. “Even before we heard the news that the Parade was cancelled, we had determined that welcoming spectators on to Harbor Queen was just not going to work this year”, said Jake Iversen, general manager of vessel activities. “While we knew we had to hit the pause button this year, we also knew that the food bank was in need of help more than ever.” Staff put their heads together, and Claudette McDonald, long-time sales team member and originator of the Queen of All Food Drives, worked with the food bank folks to take it virtual.
Susan Thomas, Anne Arundel County Food Bank’s executive director, expressed, “The Anne Arundel County Food Bank cannot thank Watermark enough for hosting the Queen of All Food Drives virtually this year, in light of Covid-19. Over 90 percent of our annual food drives since March 2020 have been cancelled due to Covid-19 while the need has grown over 300 percent. As we enter winter, and struggling families and individuals have an additional burden of paying for heat - along with Covid-19 safety restrictions tightening thereby reducing employees’ earnings - the need will continue to grow. This food drive is needed more than ever. Thank you so very much!”
Donations may be made to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank via Watermark’s website or by calling Watermark’s sales office at (410) 268-7601 X 200. As an added incentive, Watermark will match donations made through December 12, 2020, up to $1000. “Our guests have always been so generous during this event,” said president Debbie Gosselin; “we wanted to make it easy to contribute for those who are able in 2020.”