Battleship fundraiser to repair hull hits $11M

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A fundraiser to help restore the hull of the USS North Carolina is making headway.

Last week, Apple Annie’s Bake Shop told WWAY they raised more than $500 over the Fourth of July weekend in a fundraiser to help the WWII ship. Today, they donated a $680 check to the Battleship to help them reach a goal of $17 million. Spokeswoman Heather Loftin said they are now at $11 million overall in donations and other funds raised to help reach the $17 million goal.

Loftin said while they do not have a deadline, they hope to begin repairs in early 2016. She said work on the cofferdam/walkway will take roughly 12 to 18 months. She said after that they hope the remaining funds will cover the hull repairs. Parts of the hull are paper-thin, officials said.

Click here for more information on how to donate to the cause.