All hands on deck to save the Goodtime

Update (2 a.m. Wednesday) Organizers launched an online fundraising campaign. People can visit this link for more information. Original story (6:40 p.m. Tuesday) SANDUSKY — An online fundraising campaign aims to throw a proverbial life preserver at a ship drowning in debt. On Tuesday, the Facebook group titled "Save the GoodTime I in Sandusky Ohio!" announced a grassroots effort in which people can soon contribute money, with all proceeds going toward necessary ferryboat-related repairs. The group, created on Sunday, has amassed more than 5,200 members as of Tuesday night. Its formation resulted after Joe Lamb — the Goodtime's owner and operator — announced on Saturday he could no longer run his boat, a fixture at downtown Sandusky's Jackson Street Pier for years. Several factors, including those brought on by COVID-19-related restrictions, forced Lamb to make a difficult decision. For instance, he lost out on many money-making opportunities last year due to passenger limitations. "Over the last two days, support has been overwhelming," according to group administrator Gregory Steinman, who's talking on behalf of Lamb. "Joe has been meeting with people about the right way to do things," Steinman added. "Fact of the matter is Joe, with the help of everyone in (this group), will be bringing her home. Fundraising will be announced here in the near future." Steinman told the Register Lamb needs $390,000 for the necessary repairs. It's not yet known how or where people can donate. "But, rest assured, the decision has been made: He will try his best, with your effort, to bring her back and sail on your favorite cruises for years to come," he said. "We do have big donors waiting for the account to be set up."