Wednesday, October 26, 2022
(VIRGINIA BEACH, VA) – The Virginia Aquarium’s annual fundraising event, newly named Ocean Commotion, raised more than $185,000 this year through event sponsorships and auction proceeds, netting approximately $125,000 after expenses. The net exceeds the Aquarium’s prior record of $113,000 from the event in 2021. Sponsored by Capital Group, the online auction took place September 19 through October 8 and featured Aquarium experiences, local attraction tickets, vacation getaways, beach cruisers, an electric golf cart, unique artwork, and more.
Over 700 supporters registered to participate in the auction, placing 928 bids on approximately 134 items. The winning bids ranged from $450 for a jammin’ with jellies behind-the-scenes tour to $1,550 weeklong stay at a house in Sandbridge to $15,500 for a street-legal golf cart. The online auction allows the annual event to safely reach a vastly broader audience with supporters participating from Illinois to Kansas to Michigan. Additionally, generous corporate partners included Capital Group, auction sponsor Checkered Flag, Cutting Edge Total Comfort, Sentara-Optima Health, TowneBank, Virginia Natural Gas and more.
“Thank you to everyone who participated in Ocean Commotion! We are continually astounded by the community’s support, which helped us break a new fundraising record this year. Your contributions directly impact our on-site animal care and conservation efforts which include saving endangered species from extinction,” said Cynthia Spanoulis, the Virginia Aquarium’s Executive Director.
All event proceeds will be used to care for thousands of animals, provide educational offerings to visitors, offer outreach programs to local schools, conduct research and conservation activities, and operate our nationally recognized Stranding Response Program.
Explore more ways to support the Virginia Aquarium Foundation by visiting VirginiaAquarium.com.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. The Aquarium is also a member of World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Virginia Aquarium’s mission is to inspire conservation of the marine environment through education, research, and sustainable practices. It is located at 717 General Booth Boulevard, just south of Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supports the work of the Virginia Aquarium. The Foundation procures and maintains the Aquarium's exhibits, including the animals and habitats. It is also responsible for annual and capital fundraising, administration and funding for the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program, conservation and scientific research efforts, and the Aquarium's mission-related education programs. You can be a part of our mission by making a tax-deductible donation to support our incredible programming.
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