provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The Museum has planned an exceptional evening of cocktails, individually-packaged appetizers, socially-distanced fellowship, and an exciting raffle.
Raffle tickets are available for $20 each at the Museum front desk, now through April 17. Over $5,000 in prizes are on display in the Museum’s front lobby and include $100 gift certificates to several island restaurants, a Dolphin & Wildlife Adventure Cruise for 4 from Captiva Cruises, 18 holes of golf for 2 at the Dunes Golf and Tennis Club, a handmade bangle bracelet from Congress Jewelers, a $300 gift certificate from The Cedar Chest Fine Jewelry, and a private trip for 8 aboard Stars & Stripes from Sanibel Island Marina.
During the event, guests can tour the Museum, be wowed by the Giant Pacific Octopus, see record-breaking shells in the Great Hall, and enjoy the “H2O Art Exhibition,” on display until April 30.
Of particular interest to many in the community will be the opportunity to meet and greet the Museum’s new Executive Director. “Our team is looking forward to welcoming Sam Ankerson as he joins the Museum on March 16,” said José H. Leal, Ph.D., Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum Interim Director and Curator. “The Martinis and Mollusks event will give us the opportunity to officially introduce Sam to our island community and hear him speak about his vision for the Museum’s bright future.”
The Museum continues to follow CDC protocols to help ensure its guests stay healthy and safe during their visit. To this end, there will be limited outdoor seating available during Martinis and Mollusks upon request, as well as a takeout option for those who prefer to support the Museum from a distance. The commitment form for event tickets and sponsorship packages can be found at ShellMuseum.org.
Unable to attend Martinis and Mollusks? Donations are always welcome! All donations help support the Museum’s work of caring for its animals, improving on its collection, and inspiring the next wave of ocean leaders through educational programming. Visit ShellMuseum.org/donate to learn more about opportunities to make a lasting contribution.
The Museum has been working to protect and preserve mollusks since its inception in 1995. There are more mollusks in the oceans than all marine mammals and fish species combined, but mollusks are becoming extinct due to climate change, ocean acidification, and pollution. In 2020, the Museum added living mollusks including octopuses, cuttlefish, giant clams, and squids to its large array of exhibits and extensive scientific collection, with the goal of better inspiring and educating its visitors and community about mollusks and their importance to global biodiversity.
For more information on Martinis and Mollusks, please contact Laura Shaffer at info@shellmuseum.org or (239) 395-2233.