Oceanic Evening marks end of Mote’s Oceans of Opportunity Campaign
The annual gala was held at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota on Saturday, Oct. 29.
By
Niki Kottmann
| 3:49 p.m. October 30, 2016
Black Tie
Share
Staff and supporters of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium gathered at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota on Saturday, Oct. 29 to celebrate the achievements of its first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign, Oceans of Opportunity.
The campaign is part of Mote’s 2020 Vision and Strategic Plan, which includes an international coral research and restoration center in the Florida Keys, expansion of its various educational programs and continued recruitment of outstanding postdoctoral scientists. The goal of the campaign was to raise $50 million, and as President and CEO Dr. Michael Crosby announced at the gala, Mote surpassed that goal and raised $51, 736,582.
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.
