55 Years of Saving Sea Life
By Lisa Codianne Fowler
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium recently kicked off its 55th Anniversary Celebration with its first-ever Juried Art Exhibition of unique paintings, sculpture, photography, mixed media and ceramics by artists from across the state depicting Mote's expansive projects and achievements over the past 55 years. A silent auction followed the festive event.
The party continues throughout the year with Run for the Turtles; Party on the Pass, Oceanic Evening and more. Here’s a sampling of what’s in store for sea fans:
Run for the Turtles
Saturday, April 3, 2010
On your mark, get set, go! It’s time once again to Run for the Turtles on Siesta Key Public Beach. Choose from a one-mile run or walk for all ages at 7:30 a.m. or, at 8:30, a 5k run with age categories ranging from 9 and under to 85 and older. You can even organize your own team, whether it’s your family, club, school or business and compete for a team trophy. There will be ribbons, prizes, food, drink and entertainment for all participants. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. at the Siesta Key Gazebo, south of the pavilion. Race registration fees through March 20, 2010 are $20 for adults and $10 for children under 10; then $25 and $15 respectively through race day. All proceeds benefit Mote Marine Laboratory's Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program.
Party on the Pass
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Celebrate the science of the sea with Mote’s second annual Party on the Pass at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2010 in the Mote Aquarium courtyard. Come as you are; the party is casual and will offer scrumptious food and drinks, auctions, entertainment and plenty of fun. Tickets are $75 per person; $1,000 to sponsor a table. Table sponsors will have their names displayed at tables and printed in the event brochure. Party on the Pass proceeds will directly support Mote’s Dolphin, Whale and Sea Turtle Hospitals.
World Ocean Day Family Festival
Sunday, June 6, 2010
The kids will get a kick out of this event created with families in mind. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Mote Aquarium courtyard becomes a playground of face painting, games and crafts in celebration of our world ocean. The World Ocean Day Family Festival is free with paid admission to Mote Aquarium and free to Mote members. World Ocean Day is recognized by the United Nations as an international observance, and there will be celebrations taking place at aquariums, schools and zoos all over the world. Don’t miss our very own.
Oceanic Evening
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Don your favorite formal or tux and prepare for an elegant Oceanic Evening, Mote’s annual fundraising gala. This year’s marine mammal theme will celebrate Mote’s 55th Anniversary and the 40th anniversary of their Sarasota Dolphin Research Program. Cocktails begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a seated dinner at 8 p.m. in the Mote Aquarium Courtyard. Guests will enjoy a gourmet meal catered by Michael's on East and an evening of socializing and dancing amid Mote's colorful exhibits. Tickets are $250 per person. RSVP is required. Contact / RSVP Vicki Wiese: 941-388-4441, vicki@mote.org.
Breakfast Lecture with Dr. Sylvia Earle
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Dive into this rare opportunity to share breakfast with the world renowned Dr. Sylvia Earle. Called “Her Deepness” by the New Yorker and the New York Times, a “Living Legend” by the Library of Congress, and Time Magazine’s first “Hero for the Planet,” Sylvia Earle is an oceanographer, explorer, author, lecturer, Explorer in Residence of the National Geographic Society, Leader of the Sustainable Seas Expeditions, Council Chair for the Harte Research Institute at Texas A & M, Founder and Chairman of Deep Search and Mote Marine Laboratory Trustee. She has authored more than 170 publications, lectured in more than 70 countries, and been featured in numerous television and radio productions. Breakfast Lecture details to come. Check the calendar for updates at www.mote.org/55.
For more information about these events please visit www.mote.org/55, call 941-388-4441 or e-mail info@mote.org.
Founded in 1955, Mote Marine Laboratory is dedicated to advancing the science of the sea through the study of marine and estuarine ecosystems, through its public Mote Aquarium and through educational programs for all ages. Mote has seven centers for scientific research focusing on sharks, sea turtles and marine mammals, coral reefs, the study of toxins in the environment and their effect on human health, aquaculture, coastal ecology and fisheries enhancement. Showcasing this research is Mote Aquarium, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 365 days a year. Please visit www.mote.org to learn more.
