Star Island Honors Veterans With A Free Raffle For A Weeklong Vacation

PORSTMOUTH, NH — The nonprofit Star Island Corporation is encouraging U.S. military veterans to submit their names for a free raffle, according to a press release. The prize is an all-inclusive vacation on Star Island for a week this summer.

The winning Veteran is invited to bring along his or her family for the free week as well.

“We want to recognize and support those who have sacrificed to serve our country," said Joe Watts, Star Island's CEO. "Our Veteran's Raffle is one way we celebrate our Veterans, by offering a wonderful respite on our unique island off the coast of NH and Maine.”

The raffle winner, and members of his or her household, receives a free seven-night stay on Star Island during the summer of 2017. Boat transportation, meals, lodging, and tipping are all included. There is no charge to enter the raffle for valid US military veterans. The raffle opens on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, 2016. A simple application can be found on the website at StarIsland.org/Veterans. The raffle will close on Dec. 9 and the winner will be announced and posted on the website on Dec. 14, 2016.

Last year, there were over 70 entries from veterans across the country. The entries represented people who have never been to Star Island and those who have been coming to Star Island for many years. Jeffrey Spoor, a Navy and Army National Guard veteran was last year's raffle winner. Spoor has visited Star Island and attended the Star Arts and NH Society of Photographic Artists Retreat for many years. Spoor is encouraging his fellow veterans to participate: "One of the best things about Star Island is that it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from. Everyone leaves behind the tension of life on the mainland. You are surrounded by folks who are welcoming and grateful to be there. I always find it to be very therapeutic.”

Star Island is the second largest of the nine small, rugged islands known as the Isles of Shoals located an hour’s boat ride off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine. The Island is owned and managed by a nonprofit organization called Star Island Corporation. Star Island hosts weeklong conferences and programs focused on a wide variety of topics including ecology, history, spirituality, arts, and intergenerational family camps. All are welcome to come for the day, spend the night or attend a conference. Star Island is a model of environmental sustainability and has a rich history dating back hundreds of years. Star Island’s Oceanic Hotel continues to welcome guests and is one of the last of the original Grand Hotels in New England.

For more information visit StarIsland.org.

Submitted by Barbara MacLeod.