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Watch Party Raises $75K for Coastal Watch
SCCF’s inaugural The Watch Party was a huge success! More than 250 guests attended the Sept. 29 event presented by Bank of the Islands and Bob & Lisa Ann Miller, raising approximately $75,000 for Coastal Watch before the evening concluded.
The funds (raised through ticket sales, sponsorships, and event offerings) will support a new Coastal Watch truck, supplies, and other equipment used in habitat restoration and environmental cleanup.
We Have Wheels for the Watch
Before the night was even halfway over, funds were raised for a much-needed Coastal Watch truck. Jen and Dave Nichols led the way with a $10,000 pledge to fund the engine. Thanks to our other truck donors for buying the rest of the ‘parts,’ including:
- Todd & Leanne Marcum
- Richard & Mead Johnson
- Huxters Market & Deli / Dan & Susan Murphy
- Laura & Shawn Shaffer
- John & Liz Simler
- Wayne & Gail Laufer
- Frances & Simon Tutt
- Henry & Annie Nachtsheim
- Bob & Nancy Brooks
- Janie Howland & Jack Thomas
- Shelley & Bill Greggs
- Barbara Lasky
- Lori & Jeff Cavanaugh
- Cathy Lanier / The Health Whisperer
- Barbara Rogers
Casting Competition, 50/50 Raise Additional Funds
The Watch Party’s Casting Competition, presented by Whitney’s Bait & Tackle, was a huge crowd draw, and raised over $1,800.
A 50/50 drawing raised an additional $1,900+, and the winner (Watch Party Sponsor Laura Korn) promptly donated back her $930 in winnings.
Watch Party Sponsor and Island Mermaid Valerie Tutor joined the party adorned with the other drawing prize, Congress Jewelers’ gold and diamond mangrove necklace. For additional donations to SCCF, anyone can purchase the custom mangrove pendant at the Congress Jewelers Bell Tower location, or by contacting melissa@scongress.com or 239-472-4177.
“Everyone at SCCF was humbled by the amount of support that came out of our first-ever Watch Party,” said SCCF Coastal Watch Director Kealy McNeal. “Coastal Watch has grown so much over the past year, and having our own dedicated vehicle, plus the extra money raised, is going to be critical for keeping the department’s momentum in restoring our habitats and helping keep our environment pristine.”