The committee for the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s (CBMM) 14th Annual Boating Party – Dressing the Ship, has set the date for this year’s signature event for Saturday, September 10, 2011.

The fundraising gala will begin at 5:30pm with cocktails on Navy Point, followed by an elegant, tented dinner catered by Chef’s Expression, and a live auction featuring travel packages and island getaways. A highlight of the evening will be dancing to the sultry sounds of the Freddy Cole Jazz Quartet, with Freddy singing many of his favorite tunes, including those of his late brother, Nat King Cole.

In appreciation and in memory of the late Candy Backus, who was a founder of the event, the Museum’s Board of Governors will also present the first Candy Backus Award to a deserving current or former CBMM board member.

A private, underwriter’s auction will take place on Sunday, July 24 at the home of Gale and Henry Petronis to cover the cost of the event.

The Boating Party is the Museum’s signature fundraising event of the year, with proceeds benefiting the children and adults served by the Museum’s educational programs, as well as the restoration and preservation of the largest collection of Chesapeake Bay watercraft and historic Bay artifacts.

Tickets for the event are $175 per person or $1,750 for a table of 10, with benefactor and corporate sponsorships available. To reserve your table or tickets, call the Museum’s Director of Development René Stevenson at 410-745-4950.