provided to Santiva Chronicle
Sanibel Sea School’s annual fundraiser, Octifest on the Beach, is coming up on Saturday, April 4 at 6:30 PM. The bayside event is held under a big top tent on Sanibel Causeway Island A and features sunset views, a cocktail hour, a live auction, a delicious dinner, and a variety of fun surprises. All proceeds support the organization’s scholarship fund to provide meaningful ocean experiences for all, and help purchase much needed program equipment.
This year’s live auction will include a variety of unique experiences. “We know that experiences can be more memorable that items, so this year, we wanted to create a unique line-up of live auction experiences, that will create memories to last a lifetime,” said Bruce Neill, co-founder of the Sanibel Sea School.
A boat trip to North Captiva with Chris Lechowicz, SCCF’s Wildlife and Habitat Management Director and Doc Bruce will be auctioned off as a conservation expedition. The expedition will focus on the endangered eastern indigo Snake, the longest snake native to North America, whose scientific name translates to the Lord of the Forest. Chris and Doc Bruce will share their expert knowledge on habitat and wildlife conservation and winners will be able to see the indigo snake’s habitat and maybe even catch a glimpse of this rare reptile.
Octifest guests will also have a chance to bid on a fantastic evening under the stars. Astronomer Robert Hunt will bring his telescope to the winner’s location of choice to have an “out of this world” evening. Sanibel Sea School will provide heavy hors d’oeuvres and wine to pair with a perfect outdoor evening. Using Robert’s expertise, he will help select a date that is perfect for stargazing.
Another unique auction item is A Final Farewell – A Sunset Cruise with Doc Bruce. This will be guests’ final opportunity to take an entertaining and educational cruise aboard the Ripple Effect with Doc Bruce before his retirement this fall. Sanibel Sea School will provide light snacks and beverages good for sipping on the water, while Doc Bruce will share Sanibel Sea School stories from over the years.
Part of the SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) Family, Sanibel Sea School’s mission is to improve the ocean’s future, one person at a time. To learn more, become a sponsor, or purchase tickets, please visit octifest.org or call (239)472-8585.
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