The Sanibel Sea School, in collaboration with its supporters and donors, is thrilled to announce the remarkable success of its event, Cause for the Campus, held on March 2. With the generous contributions of 150 supporters at the Bailey Homestead, this event has raised a whopping $450,000, ensuring the rebuilding and enhancement of our beloved Sea School campus.

The evening was a celebration of community, education, and conversation filled with heartfelt support and enthusiasm. Attendees were treated to a memorable experience, beginning with a captivating cocktail hour at the SCCF Bailey Homestead Pavilion. As the sun dipped below the horizon, guests convened for a tented dinner on the great lawn, captivated by the melodious tunes of the Vanderbilt Strings.

A crowning moment of the evening was the premiere of “Restoring Ocean Love,” a short film that illuminated Sanibel Sea School’s unwavering dedication to ocean conservation and education. Thanks to the generous support of the Jenni & Kyle Foundation, this heartwarming video captured the essence of the Sea School’s mission, showcasing its resilience and commitment to rebuilding in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

Just as our supporters know how to raise the roof with their boundless enthusiasm, they’ve also raised the funds needed to elevate our campus to new heights! Through sponsorships and an animated auction, essential funds were secured for critical repairs and enhancements, including: 

• A new roof on the front building
• Wraparound decking on the Kennedy Building
• An outdoor learning amphitheater
• A revitalized play yard area
• An upgraded storage facility. 

Additionally, scholarship funding was secured to empower the next generation of ocean stewards, ensuring that the legacy of the Sanibel Sea School continues to flourish.

“We stand in awe of the incredible support our community showed for Sanibel Sea School at Cause for the Campus. With each wave of generosity, we’re propelled closer to our dream of a fully realized main campus, where the magic of the ocean can continue to ignite the hearts and minds of Southwest Florida’s youth,” said Youth Education Director Shannon Rivard. “The event’s contributions have surpassed our fundraising goals and reaffirmed the power of collective action in nurturing a love for our seas. Together, we’re not just building a campus; we’re cultivating a legacy of ocean stewardship.” 

The Sanibel Sea School extends its heartfelt appreciation to all attendees, sponsors, and donors who made Cause for the Campus an unparalleled success. 

“We are very grateful to our generous sponsors and bidders who showed how deep ocean love runs in our community. Now, we can effectively restore our beloved Sanibel Sea School campus so our mission to improve the ocean’s future will endure well into the future,” said James Evans, CEO. 

We can’t wait for the day where we can share the new and improved flagship campus with the thousands of kids and families who join us for courses each year. 

For more photos and a complete list of sponsors, visit sccf.org/events-programs/fundraising-events/cause-for-the-campus/