Jimmy Buffett at the 2013 IYRS summer gala
“Cheeseburger in Paradise” songster Jimmy Buffett took to the stage barefoot in early July in Newport, Rhode Island, to help the International Yacht Restoration School raise $885,000 at its annual summer gala.
The funds will be used in part for technology and equipment purchases for students who are studying marine and composites manufacturing.
Fidelity Investments and Jaguar sponsored the IYRS event, which was co-chaired by Earl and Elizabeth McMillen of McMillen Yachts.
“IYRS has supported our yacht restoration business with capable, bright and motivated shipwrights,” Earl McMillen said. “It is an educational institution which gives its students the ability to follow their dreams and pursue a career that satisfies them on all levels.”
The evening included a dinner as well as a silent auction and a live auction conducted by C. Hugh Hildesley, senior auctioneer at Sotheby’s. Bidders especially liked a painting by John Mecray of the 1885 schooner yacht Coronet, as well as a seven-day charter on the 105-foot sailing ketch Whitehawk, a stay at a St. Barths villa during the annual St. Barths Bucket and a Lloyd McCaffrey miniature model of the Bounty.
Learn more at www.iyrs.edu.
