provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, left; Sam Ankerson, Executive Director, Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium; Al Hanser, Founder and Chairman of the Sanibel Captiva Trust Company; Jeff Muddell, Sanibel Captiva Trust Company’s Sanibel President.
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium announces its annual benefit gala on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. The fundraising event, titled “Still the One,” celebrates the museum’s 30th anniversary as the only accredited museum in the United States solely devoted to shells, mollusks, and their ecosystems.
Attendees will enjoy an evening of camaraderie at The Sanibel Community House, live music by The Rockefellers, a retrospective film of the museum’s first 30 years, and a delicious dinner catered by Savour First Choice Catering. The evening also raises funds for the museum’s future with an exciting auction of original items and experiences and a “Paddles Up.”
The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company will again be the Presenting Sponsor.
“The Trust Company has been an ardent supporter of the museum since the earliest days of our firm,” said Al Hanser, Founder and Chairman of the Sanibel Captiva Trust Company. “It’s a special place, critical for our community. As the museum brings in new and exciting exhibits, marine life, and attractions, we welcome what’s in store as it continues to share critical knowledge of our ecosystem and a truly unique experience to island visitors.”
“The museum team is doing an extraordinary job of restoring the campus and exhibits,” said Jeff Muddell, Sanibel Captiva Trust Company’s Sanibel President. “We’re proud of our community for supporting this organization and the thousands of visitors they serve every year.”
The museum reopened its ground floor Living Gallery of Aquariums in March 2024, featuring improved permanent exhibits. New marine life species are continually being added, including a Giant Pacific Octopus, Caribbean Two Spot Octopus, Flamingo Tongue, Strawberry Conchs, and Disco Clams.
The Great Hall of Shells has also been redesigned to exhibit a greater quantity and diversity of shells. When installation is complete in early 2025, the new exhibits will feature more than double the number of shell specimens previously on view.
“The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company is a generous, major museum supporter and has been for more than 20 years,” said National Shell Museum Executive Director Sam Ankerson. “We are grateful for all the company’s work and philanthropy on behalf of non-profits and communities throughout Southwest Florida.”
Visit ShellMuseum.org/gala to learn more and purchase Still the One gala tickets.