Dive Pirates Ball 2020

The Dive Pirates Ball begins our 16th year with a call to action of Speak your Truth. Dive Pirates serves our community by combating denial and isolation with an inclusive code of honor.  All crew-members have an important role to play as we meet many of our recipients at that crossroads of accepting their life-altering injuries or disease; shaking many to their core, and what they find there can make or break them. 

At Dive Pirates we believe at this most basic level, at the core is their truth; we find acceptance with our reality, and we seek our support system. Through our inclusive code of honor, we understand that life will be different but it's very much worth pursuing it to its fullest.

For the past 16 years, we have worked with people who face these challenges, through some tough times and more gratifying times. Our pirates teach us about the struggle and tell us that finding like-minded people who want to give them back some of their mobility and sense of adventure, helps them find their truth. 

Help our 2020 recipients find their voice, speak their truth and inspire others to do the same. 

Please Note: We will add a shipping fee to those items that cannot be picked up by the winner. Good Luck!

A Sneak Peek at the Trips of a Lifetime

An Experienced Travel Representative will be at the Dive Pirates Ball with complete information and can answer all your questions about these Bucket List Trips.

Italy's Amalfi Coast
You'll see why Italy's Amalfi Coast is one of the most romantic places on earth as you explore Sorrento, Amalfi, and Positano where you can sip wine under the stars as moonbeams sparkle on the Mediterranean. Find the world's finest laces and inlaid wood in tiny artisan shops. One day will tour the breathtaking Isle of Capri, home of the Blue Grotto and a favorite playground for rich and famous.

Tango in Argentina:
Discover the elegance of Europe and the spirit of South America in beautiful Buenos Aires! You will visit the balcony where Evita begged the crowd, "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina" and enjoy sumptuous dining overlooking the private Puerto Moderne where 200 foot yachts are considered small.

Aruba: Escape to Carefree Caribbean Bliss
For romance, beauty, and fun in the sun, Aruba is the perfect island paradise. At your luxurious retreat, you can be as private or as social as you want to be. Cuddle in your deluxe accommodations, dine under the stars, and stretch out on the pristine beach as lush palm trees dapple shadows on the shore. Swim in the warm turquoise waters, perhaps learn to scuba dive, and try your luck in the casino. This exciting Caribbean Island escape to Aruba includes endless opportunities for fun in the sun!

Bali: Your Perfect Pacific Paradise
Imagine relaxing on a pristine beach, palm trees swaying with the ocean breezes, and sparkling waves gently bubbling over your toes. The two of you will enjoy tropical bliss at your deluxe beachside resort in Bali. Then, get ready for scintillating adventures in Hong Kong and shopping for the world's best bargains. Supreme serenity and thrilling excitement await you on this trip of a lifetime!

Game of Thrones Adventure
If you love Game of Thrones, this adventure to Spain and Croatia will be the trip of your dreams!

I Love New York!
Get ready for the perfect girl's getaway or a romantic couple's rendezvous in the city that never sleeps...  New York!

Vive La France!
From the historic World War II landing beaches of Normandy, to the breathtaking chateaux and delicious wines of the Loire Valley, to the wonders and romance of Paris; this Auction trip is C'est Magnifique!

The Ultimate Indulgence
For glamour, romance and gourmet treats, this magical escape takes you to three of Europe's most exciting destinations. Revel in the beauty of France, savor cozy delights in Belgium, and thrill to the chic and historic sights of England… No wonder we call it "The Ultimate Indulgence!"

Remember, these very unique trips are designed for two people with deluxe accommodations, round trip airfare and you have three years to travel with no black out dates plus a travel specialist to do all the booking for you.

Timeline for the Dive Pirates Ball Festivities

2/1/2020 8:00am Silent Auction Goes Live

2/15/2020 5-6:00pm VIP Reception-Special Invitation Only Event

2/15/2020 5:30pm Dive Pirates Ball Registration

2/15/2020 6:00pm Cocktail Hour, Viewing of Silent Auction Items, and Bidding on the Bucket List Trips

2/15/2020 7:00pm Dinner & Program Begins

2/15/2020 9:00pm Live Auction

Keynote Speaker

NASA Astronaut Jeffrey N. Williams (Colonel, U.S. Army, Ret.)

Having completed his fourth mission in 2016, Expedition 48 Commander Jeff Williams officially spent more time in space than any other U.S. astronaut. Williams has spent 534 days in space, making him first on the all-time NASA astronaut list. Williams, a native of Wisconsin, was a Flight Engineer and lead spacewalker for STS-101 in 2000, Flight Engineer for Expedition 13 in 2005 and Expedition 21 in 2009. His final mission he served as  Flight Engineer as well as commander for Expedition 22. Selected as an astronaut in 1996, he graduated first in the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School class 103 in 1993. In addition to these impressive accomplishments, Commander Williams is also an avid scuba diver and in July 2002, Williams commanded a nine-day coral reef expedition operating from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Aquarius undersea habitat off the coast of Florida.

Event Honoree

Former Lance Corporal Benjamin Hetrick, USMC

Ben's life changed forever when he was involved in a motorcycle accident in 2012. The crash caused a complete break of his spinal cord at the T-12 vertebra, paralyzing him completely from the waist down. 

Ben joined the United States Marine Corps Reserves in March of 2010 and was stationed with an artillery battalion in Texas as a motor vehicle operator. His service was prematurely cut short by his injury, and in September 2013 he was honorably discharged.. Despite this tragic turn of events, Ben refused to let it slow him down. With the love and support of his family, he went back to school and got his degree. Within months of the accident, he was happily married. He currently works for Raytheon in McKinney, Texas as an engineer and designer.

Ben's story is truly a celebration of life after injury. With the help of friends, family, faith, and determination, he exemplifies resilience. He is now an SDI Scubility DB1 Open Water Diver.

What We Do

• Recruit injured veterans, law enforcement and emergency first responders and others who are medically qualified and physically disabled.
• Train and equip recipients to scuba dive along with an adaptive dive buddy.
• Take recipients on a trip of a lifetime.
• Raise funds through annual fundraisers, memberships, sponsorships, corporate giving, crowd-funding websites, grants and dive chapters.
• Most importantly we encourage our pirates to keep diving and enjoy this life-changing mobile sport with family and friends for a lifetime.

Our Mission

Based on camaraderie, compassion, freedom to dive and the Code of Conduct, the Dive Pirates Foundation will support, train, equip, and provide dive travel to individuals with disabilities through Adaptive Scuba Diving.

If it's the PIRATE LIFE for you, then we welcome your involvement in any way you choose!

Ways to Get Involved

• Become a Member
• Put a Donation on Auto-Pirate
• Support an Adaptive Diver in Training
• Support your Local Dive Chapter
• Sponsor an Event
• Annual Fund
• Corporate Giving
• Legacy Gifts
• Become a Volunteer