Sold-Out King Neptune Gala Celebrates a Remarkable Evening
The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation’s sold-out 19th-Annual King Neptune Gala became one of its most successful yet on September 27, celebrating our educational mission and honoring Tracey Quillen Carney and Mayor John Carney with the King Neptune Award. Stormy weather prompted a last-minute move to the Chase Center’s Riverfront Room. The Chase Center graciously accommodated us on short notice, providing a welcoming setting for an extraordinary evening of generosity.
The evening’s Flagship Field Trip Fund raised enough to provide free educational visits and sails for 4,648 students in the coming year. These experiences bring history to life aboard Kalmar Nyckel and at the Copeland Maritime Center, where students handle sails, explore early navigation, and discover Delaware’s maritime heritage. Last year, more than 13,500 students participated in free field trips, with schools paying only for bus transportation.
Tatiana Copeland inspired giving by offering to match gifts to the fund. She also donated a Napa Valley vacation package at Bouchaine Vineyards and provided the evening’s wine. Almost every silent auction item sold, and spirited live auction bidding helped support the Foundation’s educational programs and keep our Ship sailing.
Our heartfelt thanks go to our sponsors, host benefactors, donors, bidders, volunteers, and guests. Special thanks to Light Action and Caffé Gelato for adapting seamlessly to the venue change and helping make this memorable celebration possible.
Save the date for next year's Grand 30th-Anniversary Gala on Saturday, September 25, 2027!
Enjoy and download photos of this year’s Gala by volunteer Thom Unger by clicking the link below. More photos to come soon!
King Neptune Award Winners
Our 19th-Annual King Neptune Gala, benefiting the Tall Ship of Delaware and our educational programs aboard ship and ashore, took place on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
We honored Tracey Quillen Carney and the City of Wilmington’s Honorable Mayor John Carney for their outstanding contributions to the city and the State of Delaware. Both have been strong supporters of the public education programs that advance the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation’s mission.
Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, the evening brought our community together for a black-tie optional cocktail reception, a formal seated dinner, live music, and silent and live auctions. Stormy weather prompted a last-minute move to the Chase Center’s Riverfront Room, which graciously accommodated our celebration.
Enjoy photos of last year’s Gala by volunteer Thom Unger.
Thank You to Our Gala Sponsors
& Gala Host Benefactors
King Neptune Gala Sponsors
Godmother’s Circle $10,000
King Neptune’s Court $5,000
Mermaid’s Circle $2,500
Patron $1,500
Our Mission
The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation is a non-profit educational organization with the mission of preserving and promoting the cultural and maritime heritage of Delaware and the Delaware Valley for the education and enrichment of all. The Foundation is a volunteer-based organization that built, owns, and operates Kalmar Nyckel.