Benefit Gala Most Successful in Shell Museum History

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium recently reopened its doors 17 months after Hurricane Ian – just in time to host its annual benefit gala at the Museum on Saturday, March 16, 2024.

The A Night at the Museum gala, presented by The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company for the 20th consecutive year, was celebrated throughout the facility starting with cocktails in the Living Gallery of Aquariums and concluding with dinner in The Great Hall of Shells illuminated by a wash of blue light projected across its soaring 30-foot ceiling. Live music was provided by Danny Morgan and Amy Sbarra.

The evening proved to be the most successful fundraiser in the Museum’s history, as the organization raised over $560,000 in sponsorships, live auction sales, and paddle raise donations combined. Funds raised will support the final stages of post-hurricane rebuilding and also major improvements including a redesign and expansion of the shell exhibits of the Great Hall of Shells that will transform the educational and visitor experience.

“We are deeply grateful to this community and all of the event’s sponsors for coming out and supporting the future of the Museum,’’ said Executive Director Sam Ankerson.

Jeff and Stephanie Muddell, left, and Sally and Al Hanser of The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company

Calli Johnson, left, Brian Holaway, Leigh Gevelinger, and Sam Ankerson

Sanibel Mayor Richard Johnson

Jo Anne Orndorff

Jane Holder

Sherry and Doug Gentry

Scot and Melissa Congress

Chip and Sarah McClure, left, and Gary and Sheila Bello

Kim Rist, left, Roger Grogman and Brian Rist

Laurie Harkey, left, David Mintz, Lisa Riordan, Bill Harkey

Visit ShellMuseum.org/2024-gala for event photos and sponsor recognition.

About the Museum: The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is a natural history museum and aquarium, and the only museum in the United States devoted primarily to shells and mollusks. Its mission is to use exceptional collections, aquariums, programs, experiences, and science to be the nation’s leading museum in the conservation, preservation, interpretation, and celebration of shells, the mollusks that create them, and their ecosystems. For more information, please visit ShellMuseum.org or call (239) 395-2233.