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Norwalk's Maritime Aquarium Event Raises $630,000

NORWALK, Conn. -- Rob and Kit Rohn of Darien chaired this year’s annual Cirque de la Mer fundraiser to benefit The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. The theme – “Argentum” – is Latin for silver in honor of the aquarium’s upcoming 25th anniversary.

A live mermaid is the centerpiece during the cocktails portion of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk’s “Cirque de la Mer” fundraiser.

A live mermaid is the centerpiece during the cocktails portion of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk’s “Cirque de la Mer” fundraiser.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Misty Enright Photography
Kit Rohn, left, the event co-chair, and Laurie Jones of Wilson Point in Norwalk, chair of the night’s auctions, meet up at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk’s 14th Cirque de la Mer fundraiser.

Kit Rohn, left, the event co-chair, and Laurie Jones of Wilson Point in Norwalk, chair of the night’s auctions, meet up at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk’s 14th Cirque de la Mer fundraiser.

 Photo Credit: Courtesy of Misty Enright Photography
A living silver tree greets guests, including: (from left) Jim Hurlock of New Canaan; Elizabeth Jensen, Ken Weil, Monica McNally and Audrey Weil, all of Darien; Patricia Lunka of New York; Kate Hurlock of New Canaan; and Susan Adamsen of Wilton.

A living silver tree greets guests, including: (from left) Jim Hurlock of New Canaan; Elizabeth Jensen, Ken Weil, Monica McNally and Audrey Weil, all of Darien; Patricia Lunka of New York; Kate Hurlock of New Canaan; and Susan Adamsen of Wilton.

 Photo Credit: Courtesy of Misty Enright Photography
From left, Darien residents John Fisher, Brinley and Foster Kaali-Nagy, and Rob Rohn attend The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk’s 14th Cirque de la Mer fundraiser on April 25. Rohn and his wife, Kit, chaired the event

From left, Darien residents John Fisher, Brinley and Foster Kaali-Nagy, and Rob Rohn attend The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk’s 14th Cirque de la Mer fundraiser on April 25. Rohn and his wife, Kit, chaired the event

 Photo Credit: Courtesy of Misty Enright Photography
Schuyler and Charlie Hinnant of Rowayton at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk’s 14th “Cirque de la Mer” fundraiser. Charlie Hinnant is a member of the aquarium’s Board of Trustees.

Schuyler and Charlie Hinnant of Rowayton at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk’s 14th “Cirque de la Mer” fundraiser. Charlie Hinnant is a member of the aquarium’s Board of Trustees.

 Photo Credit: Courtesy of Misty Enright Photography
by The Daily Voice

The April 25 event raised more than $630,000 to help present the aquarium’s environmental education programs to students in the tristate area.

The event – in its 14th year – supports the aquarium’s Red Apple Fund for Student Enrichment, which helps to make its marine-science and environmental-education programs available – through field trips as well as traveling teacher programs – to students and teachers who otherwise may not be able to participate.

The 350 guests enjoyed cocktails in the aquarium's galleries, a sit-down dinner, and silent and live auctions.

During the evening, the aquarium also presented its annual Red Apple Awards to Per and Astrid Heidenreich of Greenwich and Siemens Financial Services. The awards honor companies, organizations and individuals who share its concern for the natural world and environmental education.

Per Heidenreich, with the support of the Per and Astrid Heidenreich Family Foundation, has led the process for funding, designing and building a new green research vessel for The Maritime Aquarium. This new boat, a 65-foot electric/diesel hybrid catamaran scheduled to launch in spring 2014, will replace the aquarium’s 33-year-old diesel-powered trawler. Read more about the new boat here.

Siemens Financial Services has been a major supporter of the Cirque fundraising event for the past several years.

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