Join us to honor this year’s outstanding members of the maritime community.


Due to enhanced risk of severe weather, the Lighthouse Gala has been postponed one week!


NEW DATE: Thursday, September 19 at 6:30 PM

You are invited...

Please make plans to join us at the Audubon Tea Room on Thursday, Sept. 12 as we honor this year's outstanding members of the maritime community. Enjoy live entertainment while dining and bidding in the silent auction. All proceeds from this event will benefit Global Maritime Ministries.


Audubon Tea Room • 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Tickets: $75 • Purchase Online

Dress: Business Formal

Award Recipients

Very special awards will be presented to honor exceptional acts of service in the maritime community.

  • Crystal Lighthouse Award

    Captain Ronald W. Branch has been named this year's recipient of the Crystal Lighthouse Award, which celebrates the Maritime Person of the Year. Ronald Branch is the President and CEO of the Louisiana Maritime Association and has served the maritime community in this capacity for over 17 years. A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ronald holds a B.S. from Oklahoma State University and an M.B.A. from Ashland University of Ohio and is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College National Security and Strategic Studies program. After receiving his commission in the U.S. Coast Guard in July of 1979, Ronald provided over 28 years of honorable service to our country. During his decorated military career, Captain Branch served both domestically and abroad, including tours in Europe, the Persian Gulf, and Kuwait. Following his retirement from the Coast Guard in 2007, Ronald made his home in New Orleans and has continued his dedicated work with and for the maritime community as a civilian.

  • John P. Vandercook Service Award

    Lieutenant Peter Brito has been named as this year’s recipient of the Rev. John P. Vandercook Service Award, which celebrates the Maritime Humanitarian of the Year. Lt. Brito is a highly experienced law enforcement officer with the Harbor Police Department. He has over 20 years of experience in police operations and investigations with a track record of leading high-performing teams, developing innovative strategies, and implementing best practices in policing. He is passionate about providing the highest level of service to the public and has a strong commitment to community policing. Lt. Brito received his Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Holy Cross University in 2000 and his Master's Degree (MBA) from Troy State University in 2004. He is also a graduate of the FBI LEEDA Leadership Trilogy program. Lt. Brito attributes his career to past and present supervisors that have helped to shape him into the law enforcement supervisor he is today. His professional goals are to leave a good legacy for current and future officers starting their law enforcement careers.

Purchasing Tickets

Tickets for the Lighthouse Gala are $75 each. Purchase your tickets easily and securely online by clicking the link below.

Silver Ministry Sponsor

Dodson & Hooks

An International Maritime & Personal Injury Law Firm

Ministry sponsorships are available!

Premiere Sponsor • $25,000

Platinum Sponsor • $20,000

Gold Sponsor • $15,000

Silver Sponsor • $10,000
Bronze Sponsor • $5,000


Gala Table Sponsor $1000

• 1 Reserved Table (10 Tickets)

• Preferred Table Near the Stage

• Logo on Your Table Sign


All gifts and donations to Global Maritime Ministries are tax deductible.

Sponsorship

Resources

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