The Wetlands Institute typically hosts its largest annual fundraiser in July as a gathering of staff, donors and community members. The Summer Celebration is an event that supports the mission of the institute while highlighting the year’s work and achievements, conservation efforts and future projects. As COVID-19 impacted many such fundraising events in the area throughout the summer, The Wetlands Institute quickly transitioned this fundraiser into a virtual event. The theme, “It’s In Our Nature,” highlighted the institute’s work in addressing crucial environmental issues and projects that enhance the resiliency of the local coastal environment.

“Going forward with the celebration took a lot of brainstorming on what a virtual event would ‘look like’ and how would we engage our constituents,” said Hank Schellenger, committee chair for the Summer Celebration. “But we were also hoping that moving it to digital would be a great opportunity to reach out to more people and demographics.”

A silent auction was hosted online featuring nearly 50 donated items such as dinners from the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, the Washington Inn and Alex’s Market; an electric scooter from Harbor Outfitters; fishing trips on the Miss Avalon Fleet and Nev-r-Enuf Sportfishing, and much more. In addition, staff members also offered unique behind-the-scenes experiences, allowing for supporters to enjoy hands-on conservation efforts as a new approach to stay connected to nature and the community.

Also, a livestream online featured videos submitted by institute volunteers, friends and interns that shared experiences and the work being done for conservation, education and research. Supporters were invited to call, text and donate online to the institute during the one-hour event.

The entire celebration raised $125,000, including $90,000 in mission-support donations received during the livestream.

“The virtual format of the event allowed us to connect to a new audience, and really gave us a wonderful opportunity to share our work in ways that are really exciting and new,” said Dr. Lenore Tedesco, executive director of The Wetlands Institute.

The video can still be viewed on the institute’s website, and all proceeds raised from this year’s Virtual Summer Celebration support the institute’s programs in research, conservation and education.

And moving forward into autumn, while the popular Fall Migration Festival has been canceled, the institute is open to the public and visitors can still experience hands-on outdoor programming and activities throughout the season. Be sure when you stop by to visit Hank, the resident octopus, in one of the aquariums on the grounds.

For more information on The Wetlands Institute, go to wetlandsinstitute.org.

Photo caption: A production crew livestreams The Wetlands Institute’s “It’s Our Nature”-themed Summer Celebration that raised $125,000 to support the institute’s work.