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GIVING BACK this aspect of Crowley’s generosity, when they began to hear several vulnerable species and helping to preserve original
ecosystems in the Bay.
stories from the individuals and families that he had helped.
The Crowley family has also been active in giving back to Under Escher’s direction, the Red and White Fleet has
the community, donating two islands—East Marin and West continued this tradition of local giving. The company is a
iving back has always been a part of the Red and LEFT: The Red and White Fleet Marin in the San Francisco Bay—to be used by the United long-time supporter of the Madonna del Lume Society in
White Fleet’s corporate culture. Starting with Tom has always been a family-oriented States Fish and Wildlife Service as a National Wildlife Refuge. San Francisco, which was founded in 1935 to preserve the
GCrowley, the company has sought to be a good company. This photo shows Tom The islands were once home to the family’s vacation house history and contributions of Italian and Sicilian immigrants to
steward of the environment, to support its staff and offer Crowley aboard one of his earliest but now provide habitat to countless rare birds, including Fisherman’s Wharf. “We go out every year under the Golden
gas-powered vessels with his wife
upward mobility, to make long-standing and mutually and two young daughters. populations of great blue heron and great egret. Escher recalls Gate Bridge and throw wreaths into the Bay in memory
beneficial partnerships and working relationships with other visiting the islands almost every weekend of his childhood, of the fishermen and sailors who have drowned and died
companies in the maritime industry, and to lend a helping OPPOSITE, left to right: Along taking a boat from the mainland in San Rafael with his off of San Francisco Bay . . . It’s something we do for the
hand in the community it calls home. Fisherman’s Wharf near Pier 43½, grandfather to attend barbecues and family gatherings. community,” Escher explains. The company is also involved
Over the years, this has often taken the form of emergency crew members pose together in front Although the islands hold fond memories for the family, they with the San Francisco Seaman’s Memorial Chapel, which
of an old Ford Model A made into
assistance during natural disasters, but emergency relief the official Red and White Fleet now serve a larger purpose: providing a valuable habitat for pays homage to those who have lost their lives on the sea,
efforts are not the only area where the company’s generosity land vehicle. Both truck and team
stands out. Today the organization also focuses on supporting members are regular participants
maritime, environmental, and educational causes. “We give in parades and community events.
to a variety of nonprofits,” says CEO Tom Escher, for whom • San Francisco waterfront history
it is important that these gifts be made anonymously when abounds in a photo of Karl Kortum
(center), the founder of the San
possible. For Escher, it’s not about getting credit, it’s just about Francisco Maritime Museum, with
doing the right thing. And this ethos pervades the company his young son and old Tom Crowley
culture—and generates strong loyalty from within. (right) onboard the historic Balclutha
Escher learned this kind of quiet giving from his in 1965.
grandfather, Tom Crowley. “My grandfather was very good
with people,” says Escher. Throughout his life, Crowley would
often look out for hardworking kids in the neighborhood,
helping them with money for school tuition and making
introductions for them as they searched for their first jobs. “He
did a lot of stuff that he didn’t tell people about,” Escher recalls.
In fact, it wasn’t until years later that the family even knew of
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