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Cause on the Causeway Raises Over $500K

March 22, 2022

Ocean love was in the air Saturday evening March 19 as about 200 supporters of SCCF’s water-related work gathered for the first-ever Cause on the Causeway.

“Our community let us know how much protecting and caring for our water means to them now and for future generations,” said SCCF CEO James Evans. “It’s a cause that is near and dear to all of our hearts and absolutely integral for our tourism-based economy.”

Under a massive tent on Causeway Island A, the inaugural Cause on the Causeway netted more than half a million dollars for SCCF and its Sanibel Sea School to continue to pursue vital science, education, and advocacy efforts focused on water. Beyond generous sponsorship donations and ticket sales, an animated auction raised funds specifically needed for Sea School scholarships, two student transport vans, two field work trucks, and a dock and boat lift for the R/V Norma Campbell.

“The funds raised will ensure that thousands of kids have the opportunity to experience our waters—many of whom live near the coast and have never been to the beach before,” said Evans. “The donations also support our water monitoring research, habitat management, sea turtle monitoring, oyster and mangrove restoration, and critical advocacy work grounded in field-based science.”

A 10-minute video, “Our Water,” produced through funds donated by the Jenni & Kyle Foundation, captured the breadth of water-related work done by SCCF scientists, educators, and its strong following of community advocates.

Click to view.

Mary Ellen and Eric Pfeifer, representing Presenting Sponsor Pfeifer Realty Group, were joined by 45 families, foundations, and/or businesses in sponsoring the event.

Cause on the Causeway builds on and is a salute to the beloved Octifest, a signature event for the Sanibel Sea School before it became part of the SCCF family.

“The outpouring of support for our mutually-beneficial missions really underscored the value of having joined forces,” said Evans. “Being able to reach kids and inspire them to become stewards completes SCCF and gives us a multi-generational capacity.”

With décor and guest attire depicting shades of the sea, the open-air event featured cocktails, a sunset dinner, video screening, and auction followed by celebratory dancing to good time party music by the New Orleans-inspired Brown Bag Brass Band.

“We’re really pleased with the results of our first Cause on the Causeway, which basically sold out through sponsorships before we could even offer individual tickets.” said SCCF Events Manager Jeff Siwicke. “It’s a solid start for an annual event that is sure to enhance our water-related work.”

Click here for more photos and a complete list of sponsors at causeonthecauseway.com.