2025 River Bell Awards Luncheon sets new attendance record

The Seamens Church Institute’s 2025 River Bell Awards Luncheon, one of the inland maritime industry’s most prominent annual gatherings, was held in Paducah, Ky., on December 11. This year’s luncheon welcomed 634 attendees, setting a new River Bell record, as the community came together to celebrate the industry and recognize outstanding leadership and service.

The River Bell Award was presented to George G. Leavell, CEO of Wepfer Group, LLC. The River Legend Award honored William R. Barr of Amherst Madison and the Distinguished Service Award was given to Marty Hettel of American Commercial Barge Line.

This year’s Life Saving Awards recognized two heroic crews: the crew of the M/V Susan Robinson of Crounse Corporation, for rescuing mariners from a capsized vessel at the Olmsted Lock in June 2024; and the crew of the Mary Moran, Moran Towing of New Orleans, honored for pulling mariners from the water following a towboat–tanker collision on the Lower Mississippi River near New Orleans in late December 2023.

“We had a fantastic gathering for this 25th River Bell, and we’re truly proud of the maritime leaders we’ve honored today,” said Seamen’s Church Institute President and Executive Director, the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt. “The River Bell is a highlight of our year, and it’s always a joy to come together with our maritime friends and colleagues to begin the holiday season. We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, event chairs, and donors. The success of this annual event would not be possible without them.”

The event raised $537,000 in support of SCI’s Chaplaincy, Crisis Response, Advocacy, and Training programs for mariners.

• More photos from the event HERE

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