Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Virginia Beach, VA – The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation’s annual online auction and biggest fundraiser of the year will begin on September 23, 2024. Ocean Commotion presents exciting opportunities such as private behind-the-scenes tours, exhibit scuba dives, and more! For the first time, participants can bid on the chance to be an aquarist for a day, experiencing how to care for diverse animal species. Other notable items include a private dinner with limo service, paintings from our animals, box seat tickets to the Virginia Tech vs. Boston College football game, and private guided nature tour.
“This premier fundraiser has a direct impact on our work and mission to educate, inspire, and conserve the marine environment,” said Aquarium president and CEO, Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis. “We have a variety of unique items and offerings, including a range of exclusive Aquarium experiences, that give bid winners a personal look into the work we do.”
Proceeds support 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. Ocean Commotion is presented by title sponsor Capital Group and auction sponsor Checkered Flag Auto Group.
Bidding opens on September 23 at 9 a.m. and ends at 11:59 p.m. on October 5. To see the vast list of auction items and start bidding, visit the Ocean Commotion auction webpage. Auction items can be accessed with a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
For more information about Ocean Commotion and how to make a gift to the Foundation, visit VirginiaAquarium.com. Donations are also accepted in person or by mail and can be addressed to the Virginia Aquarium Foundation at 717 General Booth Blvd., Suite 10, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.
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 Aquariums, 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.
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