‘Under the Sea’ will be biggest fundraiser for Shell Museum
By BRIAN WIERIMA
The most important fundraiser for the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum will feature a golden oldie theme, called “Under the Sea” 1960’s Beach Party, Sunday, Jan. 25, from 5-10 p.m. at The Sanctuary Golf Club on Sanibel Island.
The attire will be that of ’60s surfing with live surf music provided by the Island Dog Band.
“It’s the biggest event we do all year,” said the Shell Museum’s marketing and events manager Katie Ball. “The proceeds will benefit our education programs, which is a great thing, because the programs are for all ages.”
Each year, the Shell Museum runs their big fundraiser with different themes, with the results being very positive. Ultimately, the end results are the strong and interesting educational programs the Museum can offer for the rest of the year.
“The event is our most challenging, but yet most rewarding, one of the year,” Ball said. “We are dependent on donations for these programs, so the fundraiser is important.”
The main sponsors of the event is the Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, while the “Lion’s Paw Sponsor” is Lily Co. of Sanibel.
Of course, the event also couldn’t be organized and run without all the volunteer hours spent by countless people.
People such as Phyllis Sharp, who runs the auction and has for quite some time, are vital for the fundraiser.
“There are volunteers who work on setting the event up and can’t attend and those who attend and work the event,” Ball added. “Our ultimate goal is to have 170 people in attendance.”
The cost is $135 per person and tables can be reserved for 10 to 12 people.
For more information, contact Ball at 239-395-2233, extension 16 or by email at kball@shellmuseum.org.