It’s a Pink Boot Summer

Click on image to watch short news report about the pink boot summer.

21 August 2026 – CHATHAM, MA – After a year of exceptional stress for the New England fishing industry, Women of Fishing Families went deep into fundraising this summer to refill its Community Fund.

What is Women of Fishing Families?

Shannon Eldredge is the treasurer of Women of Fishing Families (aka WOFF), a Chatham-based organization that provides a safety net for the fishing community.

“Fishermen, they risk their lives to go to sea and feed everyone else,” she said.

What happened to fishing this year?

After a year of exceptional stress for the industry, Eldredge said the need has never been greater.  Multiple losses at sea, coupled with a harsh winter that made it difficult get out on the water and the flats created a surge that drained the fund’s resources.

That’s why WOFF has been doing a sort summer of the pink boot, doubling down on rebuilding its community fishing fund.

What is the pink boot necklace?

One of its unique assets? A small glass pink boot.

At various pop-up locations, the group has been selling the tiny footwear replica as part of its fund raising effort. The charm was designed and produced by a local artist who wanted to support the fishing community.

Why a pink boot?

WOOF’s founder and president Karen Murdoch explains that the boot combines a serious statement with a bit of fun.

The Cape’s fishing industry incorporates many different species and gear – from gill nets to shellfish flats, from old time weirs to trawlers. The one thing they all share? Boots. No matter what the gear, fishing folk wear boots.

WOOF selected a boot as its image to reinforce the message the group is inclsive of all fisheries and that all fishing families are welcome and supported.

“Truly the  one thing that ever fisherman wears is a boot. We decided to make ours pink!” she says with a laugh.

‘We wanted everyone to feel welcome in our group. We wanted people to feel seen. There are so many different types of fishing on the Cape that we want people to know that we are there for each type, for all gear,” she added.

What does the fund do?

WOFFs community fishing fund helps with everything from funerals to fuel.

“It’s a community assistance fund for fishing families,” explained Eldredge. “And what’s special about it that it provides direct assistance to a fisherman when they reach out and need a helping hand.”

Why does the fishing industry need the fund?

A fishing vessel on a sunny day looks picturesque, but the reality of the fishing life can be brutal – and this year was especially harsh. Economically it’s not smooth sailing either.

“The price of fish in a seafood retail shop is waaay more than what a fisherman gets paid for that fish,” said Eldredge.

In addition, she said rising fuel costs hit small day boat fleets that travel long distances to fish –  particularly hard. Most boats in Chatham fit that description.

“We help fill a gap,” she said. “Almost every dollar that comes in goes to a fishing family that could use a little support.”

For more information

• Event info: https://www.facebook.com/womenoffishingfamilies
• Women of Fishing Families website https://www.fishingfamilies.org/
• To apply for financial aid through the assistance fund:
  • phone/text –  508-274-2092
  • Online –  https://www.fishingfamilies.org/community-fund
• To support via Venmo or PayPal, use @pinkboot to find Women of Fishing Families

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