a press release from Virginia Aquarium
“NIGHT AT THE AQUARIUM” AUCTION RAISES LARGEST FUNDS SINCE INCEPTION FOR EXCEPTIONAL ANIMAL CARE AND CONSERVATION WORK
(VIRGINIA BEACH, VA) – The Virginia Aquarium’s annual Night at the Aquarium fundraising event raised more than $143,000 this year through event sponsorships and auction proceeds, netting approximately $113,000 after expenses. The net exceeds the Aquarium’s prior record of $105,000, which occurred amid the pandemic last year. Sponsored by Capital Group, the online auction took place August 16-28 and featured Aquarium and local attraction experiences, artwork, one-of-a-kind items, exotic travel opportunities, and more!
Over 400 supporters registered to participate in the virtual auction, placing 732 bids on approximately 100 items. The winning bids ranged from $75 for a painting of a Mahi on Live Edge Wood to $925 to Experience Sea Turtle physicals firsthand, to more than $3,000 for a weeklong trip through Diamond Resorts. The online auction allowed the annual event to safely reach a vastly broader audience this year with supporters participating from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin, all the way to California. Additionally, generous corporate partners, including Capital Group, Checkered Flag, MEB, Optima Health, TowneBank, Virginia Natural Gas, and many others sponsored the event.
All 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.
“Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this year’s event. You helped us reach our biggest fundraising milestone which will contribute to advancing our on-site care and conservation efforts as well as enhance our guest experiences,” said Cynthia Spanoulis, the Virginia Aquarium’s Executive Director.
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.