Enjoy an Enchanted Evening Under The Sea with Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s (LMC) premiere fundraiser, the Eighth Annual Lights Out Gala, will be held on Friday, January 30, 2015, from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The event will take place at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, overlooking one of the most densely nested and bio-diverse sea turtle beaches in the world. The Lights Out Gala is held every year to celebrate the start of sea turtle nesting season, when residents along the ocean are asked to turn out their bright lights to protect nesting sea turtles and hatchlings. The gala is also one of LMC’s most important funding sources.
“This year’s Lights Out Gala will be one of the most magical and educational events we have ever hosted, said Jack Lighton, LMC President & CEO. “I look forward to welcoming guests to our campus for an enchanted evening under the sea, designed to celebrate our significant achievements in ocean and sea turtle conservation,” he added.
This year’s theme, An Enchanted Evening Under The Sea, will showcase the ocean’s magical creatures as replica sea turtles and jellyfish grace LMC’s gorgeous gala structure. The gala will welcome over 300 guests with outdoor cocktails alongside the center’s Florida Power & Light Sea Turtle Recovery Yard and its adorable sea turtle patients. Attendees will also be able to take a behind the scenes tour of one of the world’s most advanced sea turtle hospitals. Afterwards, guests will enjoy ocean-inspired artwork by 2014 ArtiGras poster winner, Kelly Tracht, and a delicious, plated dinner prepared by Sandy James Catering.
Guests will also have the chance to participate in an exclusive silent auction featuring deluxe prizes, as well as purchase a “Buried Treasure” bag. The bags are marine-themed and feature a luxury towel, a bottle of Champagne, and the chance to win an extravagant mystery prize. The delightful night will close out with dancing to the hottest hits spun by DJ Adam Lipson. Suggested attire is coastal chic. This year the gala will honor past Lights Out Gala co-chairs, Dawn Hoffman and Alice Waxman. Members serving on the 2015 Lights Out Gala Committee are: Kelly Cashmere, Tracy Christian, Giovanni Di Stadio, Nadine Fite, Tamra Fitzgerald, Tarry Graziotto, Damiann Hendel, Tina Hutchings, Lauren Jennings, Camilla Kihlberg, Ann Miller, Betsy Munson, Hillary Oswald, Shana Peterson Sheptak, Catherine Tolton, Kristin Turner and Telby Turner.
The presenting sponsor of the Lights Out Gala for the third consecutive year is PNC Bank. Additional sponsors include: Loggerhead Marina, Ross & Susan Johnson, PGA National Resort & Spa, Dr. Jack Lighton, Palm Beach Illustrated, Florida Power & Light, Fite Shavell & Associates, Gordon & Patricia Gray, Jupiter Medical Center, Elizabeth Neuhoff, Tequesta Insurance Advisors, The Gardens Mall, Tire Kingdom, Damiann Hendel, Ed & Kim Lunsford, Jones Foster Johnston & Stubbs, Rippey Art, Florida Weekly, Tito’s Vodka and Interiors by G.
A limited number of tickets and sponsorships to the gala are still available, starting at $275. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to request an invitation, contact Veronica Clinton, at 561-627-8280 ext. 103 or vclinton@marinelife.org.