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The annual gala replenishes a scholarship fund that helps to make the aquarium and its unique marine-science and environmental-education programs available to schools in the tri-state area regardless of their ability to pay. Proceeds are used toward financial assistance for schools’ admissions, IMAX movies and programs conducted at the aquarium and in schools through Traveling Teacher presentations, as well as toward supporting the promotion of the aquarium’s educational and conservation messages.
Of the $724,250 raised during “Cirque de la Mer,” $106,000 was generated during a “paddle raise” specifically to help schools meet the costs of buses for aquarium field trips.
More than 400 guests attended this year’s gala, which featured cocktails in the aquarium galleries and an elegant sit-down dinner, and silent and live auctions.
The highlight of the evening was the presentations of the aquarium’s 18th annual Red Apple Awards, which honor companies, organizations and individuals who share the Maritime Aquarium’s concern for the natural world and environmental education. The 2017 recipients are Aquarium Trustee Clay Fowler, of Norwalk-based Spinnaker Real Estate Partners, and global insurer XL Catlin, which donated generously toward the aquarium’s unique new hybrid-electric research vessel, as well as to its solar-panel initiative and Corporate Volunteer program.
Also presented was the inaugural Red Apple Seedling Award to Elena Levin of Westport in appreciation for an animated video she and friends made for the aquarium about water conservation. The new Seedling Award will celebrate conservation and/or environmental efforts of young people.
For more information about “Cirque de la Mer” or the Red Apple Fund for Student Enrichment, call the Maritime Aquarium at (203) 852-0700, ext. 2277.
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