Monday, September 22, 2025
Virginia Beach, VA – The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year and annual online auction , Ocean Commotion , is open for bids now through October 4. On the last night of the auction, the Aquarium will host an unforgettable private, invite only fundraising event with special refreshments and entertainment. Presented by Capital Group, the fundraiser’s proceeds will support the Aquarium’s conservation initiatives, research work, animal care, education programs, and the Aquarium’s nationally recognized Stranding Response Program.
The Ocean Commotion auction presents an impressive breadth of exciting opportunities, Aquarium experiences, and one-of-a-kind items. Most notable experiences include diving with the sharks, observing a ray physical, watching a seal paint art, lower-level NFL tickets, trip to Finland, and more. Among the auction items there will also be animal paintings, a beach cruiser, and more.
“Whether through youth education programs or supporting local species; when you participate in Ocean Commotion, you’re ultimately putting those funds back into the community,” said Aquarium president and CEO, Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis. “Making a bid means supporting science education, sea turtle rehabilitation, research, and conservation programs for animals like osprey, sharks, sea turtles, corals, and so much more.”
Ocean Commotion is presented by title sponsor Capital Group and auction sponsor Checkered Flag Motor Co. Additional sponsors include Bob & Leslie Fort, TowneBank, and Virginia Natural Gas.
Sponsorships are still available starting at $1,000 and includes four tickets to the Ocean Commotion private fundraiser event. The Ocean Commotion evening event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. is themed “Owls Creek After Dark” and will be in the Aquarium’s outdoor amphitheater. The event will include valet parking, cocktails, a delicious sustainable seafood watershed menu, photobooth, and entertainment including music by Vinyl Headlights and stargazing with Virginia Space Flight Academy.
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, and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that 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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