For more than 30 years, the not-for-profit known as Staten Island Fleet Week serves as the welcoming and hospitality committee for the sailors and marines who will, later this month, temporarily call Staten Island home.

"All the Navy does is they bring the ships to the city; it is up to us to put the events on for the Navy and for the city," says Marc Garafano, President of Staten Island Fleet Week.

...and THAT costs money.

About 20-thousand dollars...money the group used to raise on its own by selling souvenirs.
But after Hurricane Sandy destroyed the pier where Fleet Week events took place...the group became homeless, depending on renting tents and other supplies to pull off its activities.

For the last few years -- about ten corporate sponsors pitched in to help pay for events like face painting, food carts, and musical performances.

But not this year.

According to Garafano, "The Navy has let us know, if we don't bring the people, they'll stop coming."

But with the clock ticking toward Fleet Week...Garafano says he's only heard from about three sponsors.

And while there's no danger the Navy won't bring its ships to Staten Island, Garafano IS worried about the fate of his festivities.

With the event's financing sailing on choppy waters -- at least one local business is concerned, too.

Patrick Morse of Flagship Brewery says Fleet Week events bring an excitement to the neighborhood.

"It would be the worst for the servicemembers; I think it's mostly important for them to be able to come here and see their family and give people that opportunity...But it wouldn't be good for business either, for sure."

"If Staten Island Fleet Week doesn't take place, veterans fear it will encourage disinterest in the military, in a borough that's already seen far fewer events supporting its troops than it has in the past."

Rocco Longo is a Vietnam veteran. He says, "Staten Island has always been a very, very veteran oriented borough. There used to be a lot of parades here on Staten Island; in fact there used to be one on Memorial Day; now it's very short.//It's falling off."

But Fleet Week organizers are still hoping they can right the ship...and raise enough money for smooth sailing.

For more information...or if you'd like to donate...you can log onto SI FLEETWEEK dot com.

--Amanda Farinacci