David Thalman Memorial Search & Rescue Boat Campaign

08/29/2026

🚤❤️ $13,730 AND RISING!

Look what this community has already done.

In honor of David, we are working together to Float the Boat and help Washington Island have the water-rescue resources needed when every second matters.

We’re only $1,270 away from $15,000!

Can we get there this weekend? 🔥

Here’s the challenge:
⚓ Donate $25, $50, $100 — whatever you can
⚓ Share this post
⚓ Tag 3 people and challenge them to help us keep the boat moving

Every donation gets us closer. Every share puts this mission in front of someone new. And every person who joins us helps turn David’s memory into something that can protect this island and save lives for years to come.

❤️ David’s legacy is moving this boat forward.

🚤 NEXT STOP: $15,000. LET’S FLOAT THE BOAT!

08/12/2026

There are moments in life that forever change who we are. Losing my nephew, David, at just 20 years old is one of those moments.
I was there the day he entered this world. I had the honor of cutting his umbilical cord, never imagining that one day I would have to say goodbye far too soon. As young parents, my sister and I were always together. We shared the sleepless nights, the laughter, the milestones, and the countless moments that shaped the incredible young man he became. He wasn't just my nephew—he was a part of my heart from the very beginning.

There are no words that can make sense of such a heartbreaking loss.

David had a smile that could light up a room, a spirit that drew people to him, and a future filled with promise. Twenty years was nowhere near enough. I will forever cherish every fishing trip, every laugh, every conversation, and every memory we were blessed to share.

Please keep my sister, David's girlfriend family, and our entire family in your prayers as we face the unimaginable time. We are grateful for every message, every prayer, and every act of kindness during this painful time.

David, from the moment I welcomed you into this world, you brought joy to our family. I never imagined I would have to let you go so soon. You will always be my nephew, always be my family, and always be loved beyond words. Until we meet again, I'll carry you in my heart every single day.

Rest peacefully, David. You were deeply loved, and you will be deeply missed. 💙

08/12/2026

08/09/2026

Thank you everyone who has donated and shared so far, this shows how one small action can make a HUGE difference ❤️

08/08/2026

As those of you are probably well aware, tragedy struck our small community recently with the passing of two young souls. The family of David Thalman came to us last week and expressed their desire to see their tragedy become one of positivity. They started a campaign to help us get the rest of our funding for the much needed Fire/Rescue boat.
At their request we’ve included them here.
Our deepest condolences go out to their families and a heartfelt thank you to them and everyone who have helped us in our fundraising in the past.
We love you all and love serving you and this community.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592840019873

Help us Float the Boat, honoring David Thalman

08/08/2026

❤️ Why We Started This Campaign

There are moments in life you never imagine having to face, and losses you can never truly prepare for.

On August 1, David Thalman’s family experienced one of those moments.

In the days since losing David, his family has been surrounded by an incredible amount of love and support. And through all of the heartbreak, they began thinking about how they could honor David in a way that would mean something—not just today, but for years to come.

Washington Island felt like the right place to do that.

For four generations, the island has been part of David’s family story. His family owns property here. David grew up coming here, making memories, spending time on the water, and becoming part of a place that has meant so much to his family for generations.

Now, his family hopes his name can become connected to something that helps protect the people who live, work, visit, and spend time on these same waters.

With the support of David’s family, we have partnered with Washington Island Fire Rescue and their existing Float the Boat campaign to help raise the remaining $300,000 needed for a new search and rescue boat.

This boat cannot change what happened to David.

But someday, when another family is waiting for someone they love to come home, it may give Washington Island’s first responders another tool to help make that happen.

And that is the legacy we hope to create in David’s honor. ❤️

When David needed help, this community answered the call.
Now we have an opportunity to answer the next one.

Please help us honor David by donating, sharing his story, or simply following this page and helping us spread the word.

🚤 $300,000 to go. One community. One mission.
❤️ Honor David. Protect Tomorrow.

Donate to the David Thalman Memorial Search & Rescue Boat Campaign

08/08/2026

https://gofund.me/67d6db91f

Honor David Thalman: Help Build Washington Island’s Water Resc… Amanda Freis needs your support for The David Thalman Memorial Search & Rescue Boat Campaign