June 2026 Committee Update
At its June 11 meeting at the Boat Club, the Save the Catwalk Committee shared significant updates regarding the campaign’s financial goals and community outreach. Based on a preliminary assessment from the fabrication team indicating that the existing vertical steel bents can be refurbished and reused, the committee officially voted to reduce the top-line fundraising target from $500,000 to $400,000.
The committee reported a final cash balance of $14,801.06, reflecting stable growth from recent donations and event proceeds. To manage these funds, the treasury team has implemented an IRS-compliant tracking system to issue thank you letters to all contributors, and members are actively routing all newly received funds directly to the Treasurer for accounting.
Outreach efforts continue to expand both locally and regionally. High school students participating in a local service day distributed promotional posters to 34 Algoma businesses, and additional public signage is being placed in high-visibility locations. The committee also completed successful media interviews with Green Bay television stations and local radio, delivered a presentation to the St. Mary Rosary Society, and began coordinating an upcoming presentation for the Algoma Fire Department.
Looking ahead, members are working to secure an advertisement in the Peninsula Pulse and select a permanent public location for a newly completed 8-foot fundraising thermometer. The committee will also staff the wine service and host a donation station at the Concerts in the Park event at Heritage Park on July 9. The next regular meeting is Thursday, July 16 at 5:00 p.m. at the Boat Club.
May 2026 Committee Update
At its May 21 meeting at the Boat Club, the Save the Catwalk Committee shared encouraging progress on the North Pier project. The Catwalk has been safely removed and shipped to Olson Fabrication, where the steel is being preserved for the next phase of restoration.
The committee reported a final cash balance of $13,959.97, with recent donations giving the campaign a noticeable boost. They also thanked community supporter Connie Judd, who attended the meeting, shared her family’s connection to Algoma’s shoreline history, and made a $250 donation.
Outreach efforts continue to grow. The committee has already reached local media, community groups, and schools, and will keep spreading the word through upcoming presentations and events. A Bon Voyage Party is planned for June 13 at the Boat Club, followed by other summer outreach opportunities, including Algoma Night Out and Soar on the Shore.
The committee also approved an updated FAQ and changed online giving settings so donors can choose whether to cover processing fees. The next regular meeting is Thursday, June 11 at 5:00 p.m. at the Boat Club.
April 2026 Committee Update
At its April 23 meeting at the Boat Club, the Save the Catwalk Committee shared important progress as the North Pier project moved closer to demolition. Roen Construction was given a start window of mid-May, with catwalk removal expected first and lighthouse removal tentatively planned for early June.
The committee also addressed leadership and planning needs. Jacqueline Toepfer was elected Secretary, the group discussed getting updated cost information from Olson Fabrication, and members agreed to seek legal guidance on governance for the subcommittee.
Fundraising and outreach are moving ahead, too. The committee reported a cash balance of $12,277.00, noted an estimated $4,000 pledge from Unbound Spirits, and planned several community appearances, including Bird City, the Algoma Chamber, local service groups, and school outreach. The group is also preparing press releases, website updates, and a fundraising thermometer to help keep the community informed as the project develops.
The next regular meeting was set for Thursday, May 21 at 5:00 p.m. at the Boat Club.
Meeting Summaries & Official Minutes
The highlights shared in our newsletter are casual summaries meant for quick reading and do not constitute the official, approved minutes of the Catwalk Committee meetings.
We value transparency. If you would like to review the official monthly meeting minutes, they will be gladly provided upon written request. Please submit your request to [email protected].