- June 11, 2022
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Mote President and CEO Michael P. Crosby with Chairwoman Judy Graham
Charles Jelicks, Rebecca Brillhart and Marisa Jelicks
The ballroom had pink, coral-themed decor.
Bill Thompson and Lana McDonald with Tom and Sandy Troxler
Jan Miller, Jim Culter and Veronica Thames
Inna Snyder, Shannon Ciaravella and Sydney Gruters
Hosana and Dane Fieber
Rebecca Brillheart
Mari Lynn Cheatham and Mike Adkinson
Vern and Sandy Buchanan with Sandy and George Mazzarantani
Linda and Arlene Domenico
Each chair had a carefully-prepared program.
Allison Delashmit, Aly Busse and Elaina Wheaton
Tom and Debbie Trimble with Jeanie and Bayne Stevenson
Matt and Diana Buchanan
Ron Damele and Janet Oliver with Linda and Alex Beavers
Karen Collins, Kerry Walsh and Iris Croft
Ted Sherman, Ed Baran and Earle Layman
Mary Ellen and John Mancini
Robert and Marlene Blalock with Fred and Sally Brumbaugh
DOug and Jennifer Grossos, Rep. Margaret Good, Tracy Fanara and Ryan Westerburg
Zuheir and Susan Sofia
Stewart Moon, Sandie Lourié and John Lourié, Trudy Moon, Pierrette Kelly and Paul Kelly, Jeanie and Chuck Slater
Martin Willz and Dionysia Savas
Ben and Kelly Nettles with Stewart and Amanda Bennett
Jessica and Ryan Schloesser with Leiza Fitzgerald
Mary Jo Heider, Cyndi Miller and Gana Gilkey
Lowe Morrison, Elizabeth Moore and Dr. Chris Gelvin
Dorene and Sam Seider
Jennifer and Matt Seider
Kelly and Melissa Caldwell
Kay Mathers and Rep. Margaret Good
Coral reef ecosystems are well-known for their bright colors and vibrancy. So it's fitting that this year's Oceanic Evening event on Oct. 26 looked very much the same.
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota was home to around 500 guests for the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium's annual . This year's event had a "Living Coral" theme — a fun choice meant to raise awareness of the endangered health of Florida's coral reefs. The Ritz-Carlton's ballroom was awash in pinks and light reds, with many guests wearing the same colors to match. Guests mingled in the foyer, picked up pink coral drinks and took photos with two stationed mermaids.
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium President and CEO Michael P. Crosby thanked the laboratory's supporters and spoke to the Mote's mission and future plans. Much of the organization's coming developments outlines in its 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan, which looks to expand infrastructure, increase research capabilities and enhance its science as a public service.