Maritime Aquarium 'Seas The Night Gala' Raises Over $529,000

Community Corner

Maritime Aquarium 'Seas The Night Gala' Raises Over $529,000 The Norwalk aquarium's annual event raised over $529,000 to sustain and enhance exhibits, education programs and conservation efforts.

NORWALK, CT — The Maritime Aquarium's 2024 Seas the Night Gala raised over $529,000 to sustain and enhance exhibits, education programs and conservation efforts.

According to a news release provided by the aquarium, the annual event was held Sept. 12 at the aquarium in Norwalk with a focus on illuminating inextricable links between wellbeing and the environment.

"For our community and environment to be healthy, we need to look at them holistically," Maritime Aquarium CEO Jason Patlis said in a news release, "one cannot thrive without the consideration of the other. Here at the aquarium, we are working to break down the barriers between them and inspire environmental stewards of all ages. We are incredibly grateful to our generous supporters who help us to achieve these goals."

Before dinner, 160 guests were invited to spend some time at the aquarium's most beloved exhibits, including Pinniped Cove and Ocean Beyond the Sound, and enjoy live music by International Strings.

The program, hosted by Patrick Tully and Harry Santa-Olalla, celebrated the organization's new and transformational mission and strategic plan, An Aquarium Without Walls.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Congressman Jim Himes, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling shared remarks about the institution's importance to the community.

Barbara Erdmann received the Visionary Award for her commitment to the children and families of Norwalk. Through the generosity of her "BE Inspired Fund," 123 children have had the opportunity to attend summer camp at the aquarium and experience the wonders of the marine world firsthand, according to the aquarium.

The Jeniam Foundation received the Innovation Award for its unique approach to the conservation of Long Island Sound. Over the past decade, the foundation has worked closely with and enabled other organizations to take risks to address today's most pressing environmental challenges, according to the aquarium.

Charles H. Duffy III, VMD received the Community Leader Award for his unparalleled dedication to the wellbeing of animals. He provides outstanding service not only to the aquarium, but to other charitable organizations throughout the region and all those who visit the Norwalk Veterinary Hospital, according to the aquarium.

Sponsors included Clayton and Margaret Fowler, Genco Shipping and Trading Limited, Jeff and Barbara Erdmann, Suzanne McGraw, The Rohn Family, Delmar Hotel Collection, Fairfield County Bank, M&T Bank, Kathy and Russ Mitchell and The Wolf Conservation Center.

More information is available at www.maritimeaquarium.org .