Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Virginia Beach, VA – The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center successfully raised more than $7.4K at its inaugural pickleball tournament fundraiser called Dink or Swim, presented by The Oceanfront Inn.
A total of 31 teams signed up to play pickleball in celebration of World Sea Turtle Day and the Virginia Aquarium’s 38th anniversary. This community fundraising event provided an engaging, fun atmosphere with sport, food and drinks; with ocean sunrise mimosa topping as the most popular drink of the event.
Prizes were handed out to the winners including Harbor seal paintings, special behind-the-scenes experiences, Adventure Park passes, and more.
“Thanks to our dedicated sponsors and Pickleball Virginia Beach, our fundraiser was a great success.” said Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis, the Virginia Aquarium’s President and CEO. “I am congratulatory to the winners and appreciate everyone’s participation. The proceeds will have a direct impact on supporting our mission and vision.”
Event sponsors included the presenting sponsor, The Oceanfront Inn; Smartmouth Brewing Co. as the beverage sponsor; and Chick-fil-A General Booth Blvd. as the appetizer sponsor.
Proceeds supported the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation to provide quality care for the Aquarium’s animals, offer educational programs, conduct research and conservation work, and operate the nationally recognized Stranding Response Program.
To learn more about the Virginia Aquarium Foundation and support its mission, visit VirginiaAquarium.com/give .
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s mission is to connect people to the marine environment, inspiring a more sustainable future. The Aquarium aspires to be a driver in conservation, education, tourism, and sustainability, leading the charge to save wildlife and their ecosystems. Owned by the City of Virginia Beach, the Aquarium operates as a city department in partnership with the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation. The Aquarium is proud to be an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquarium, and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
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 programming.
###
