The Launch to raise funds for island conservation initiatives
With the Strawless on Sanibel campaign at the end and the city’s recent passing of a ban on plastic straws, Coastal Keepers will unveil its new initiatives at an upcoming fundraiser.
Formerly known as SanCap START or Solutions to Avoid Red Tide, Coastal Keepers will host its second annual The Launch on Nov. 17 from 6 to 10 a.m. at The Community House on Sanibel. Last year, the group split from START to ensure funds raised went to on-island campaigns and projects.
In March, Coastal Keepers held its first The Launch, once called Cracker Fest. Conservation Initiative Coordinator Sam Lucas explained that the timing did not allow for it to be held in the fall as usual. With the return of season on the island, the group has shifted the fundraiser to being a fall event again.
The evening will include cocktails, a sustainable dinner, both a live and silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and special surprises, including a reveal of the group’s new conservation initiatives in the works.
“They’re completely new,” she said of the projects.
Coastal Keepers’ goal is to increase awareness of the impacts that humans have on beaches, water quality and marine habitats in the local region and to help citizens become more effective stewards of the ocean. Through business and community partnerships, the organization recently encouraged the Sanibel City Council to pass an ordinance on the sale and distribution of disposable plastic straws.
Lucas explained that while the Strawless on Sanibel initiative has wrapped up, it still oversees the Bring Your Own Bag campaign, in which free reusable canvas bags are distributed to the public. Over 15,000 bags had been given out as of last month, building a more environmentally-friendly island.
She noted that events like The Launch help raise the funds needed to create and implement similar conservation initiatives that promote and improve the future of marine resources and coastal heritage.
“It’s a fundraiser in support of our local conservation initiatives,” Lucas said.
The tickets are $100 per person and include dinner and drinks. The Sanibel Catering Company by Bailey’s will cater the sit-down meal, with Bailey’s and the Lazy Flamingo providing beer and wine.
Each attendee will also receive a hand-crafted reusable bag from Haiti. She noted that the bags are more sustainable than the previous ones handed out by Coastal Keepers as they were made at a solar-powered factory from locally-sourced materials and that they help support that country’s economy.
“We’re excited to get even more out into the community,” she said of reusable bags.
The silent auction will feature 25 to 30 items, while the live auction will showcase six.
Some prizes up for grabs in the live auction will include a cruise on the Sanibel Sea School’s new vessel, The Ripple Effect, for up to 12 people; a boat trip on Billy Kirkland’s private vessel; a Sanibel Catering Company dinner for up to eight; and photos by island photographer Charlie McCullough.
As for the silent auction, bidders will find artwork by islander Ada Shissler, a round of golf at The Dunes Gold & Tennis Club for four, a Sanibel Sea School stand up paddleboard or kayak excursion for up to four people, and the choice of a shelling, wildlife or fishing charter with Cast About Charters.
There will also be a gift basket from MacIntosh Books and Paper, with books and puzzles; a year of haircuts from the Tribeca Salon; a gift basket from the Point Ybel Brewing Company; and more.
“If they’re into local beer,” Lucas said.
As of Nov. 7, tickets sales were going well.
“We’re doing much better than the spring event, which is great to see,” she said.
Purchasing in advance is preferred, but tickets will be available day of.
The community is encouraged to pick up theirs soon.
“The attire is island casual,” Lucas said.
To purchase tickets, visit online at sancapcoastalkeepers.org/the-launch. People can also contact Coastal Keepers at 239-472-8585 and pay with a credit card or reserve tickets and mail in a check.
For more about the event, call or visit sancapcoastalkeepers.org.