Oceanic Evening marks end of Mote’s Oceans of Opportunity Campaign

Dennis and Graci McGillicuddy

Terry Lou Ritchie, Bill Ritchie, Dr. Christelle Bouchard and Andrea Stephens

A “mermaid” graces the lobby outside the ballroom for cocktail hour.

Marilyn Schroeter, John Strickland and Chairwoman Judy Graham

Christine Koerwer, Sue Lee, Kim Bassos-Hull and Missy Myers

Mike Murray, Karen Hansen, Rich and Jennifer Plettner and Dr. Al Hernandez

Ken and Carrie Cox

Diamond Vault created a custom convertible brooch/pin with 18 KT yellow and white gold, 37 diamonds in the shape of a piece of coral, and blue topaz. Attendees had the opportunity to buy raffle tickets for the chance to win the piece.

Veronica Brady, Keith Monda and Erin Kabinoff, chief development officer for Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Sarah Runge and Dr. Jordon Beckler

Susie Klingeman and Catherine Armitage

Guests munched on shrimp appetizers during cocktail hour.

Rogan Donelly with Julie and Phil Delaney

Sandy Edinger, Adrienne Atkins, Anthony Singley and Martha Edinger

Sharon Pierce, Dr. Richard Pierce, Sunny Raegen, Mark Mitchell, Pat Donegan and Donna and Dr. Dave Vaughn

The oceanic theme carried over into the centerpieces and tableware color scheme.

Chair of the Mote Board of Trustees Lowe Morrison, Leiza Fitzgerald and Jen and David Otterness

Barbara Brizdle and Roxie Jerde

Julie and David Dickson

The ballroom at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota was transformed into a colorful oceanic scene.

Dr. Harry and Jenni Kopelman

Jacquelyn and Trudo Letschert with Pam and Bob Taylor

Darla and Bill Furst

Chair of the Mote Board of Trustees Lowe Morrison welcomes the crowd.

Alan Rose and Hermione Gilpin

Stan Pastor, Chairwoman Judy Graham and Stephanie Shaw

Hobart and Janis Swan with Andria Piekarz and Alan Amero

Glenda Miller with Dr. Tom and Sandi Troxler

President and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium Dr. Michael Crosby announces the final amount of money raised through the Oceans of Opportunity Campaign: $51,736,582.

Courtney and Paul Tarantino with Nick and Katie Kominos

Monty Clark, Dr. Erinn Muller and Dr. Andrea and Joe Tarnecki

Cindy Peterson and Mary Beth Goddard

Rudy and Darcy Webb, Tom and Clare Merrick, Elizabeth Gifford and Cedar Hames

Emily Markey and Trevor Bland

Bob Essner, chair of the campaign, thanks members of the Board of Trustees for their 100% participation.

Jim Ericson, Maurice Cunniffe, Elizabeth Moore, Anne Essner, Bob Essner, Carolyn Cunniffe, Nancy Moskovitz and Dr. Rick Moskovitz pose after receiving a shark tooth gift for their generous donations of $1 million or more to the campaign.