Beach Ball – The Aquarium’s Major Gala Fundraiser
Imagine a child's face and hands pressed to the surface of Dolphin Bay's underwater window, face alight with awe as a dolphin swims inches away. Now picture a child's expression of astonishment, hair blowing in the gust created by a Red Tailed hawk swooping just inches overhead. Hear a collective gasp of amazement as a falcon snags a lure in mid-flight above our new Hawn Wild Flight Theater. Moments like this happen every day at the Texas State Aquarium where we bring the wonders of nature within reach - a close, personal experience with wildlife.
Proceeds from Beach Ball 2008 will be used to help the Aquarium meet its goal of raising $250,000 to fund the latest exhibit development project Conservation Cove. Many of the animals to be featured exist in the natural shore environments of the Gulf of Mexico and are facing significant environmental challenges. In an effort to promote these precious landscapes and their inhabitants we are expanding Conservation Cove to include the newly opened Hawn Wild Flight Theater. Exciting future developments will entail exhibits such as the Eagle Pass, Tortuga Cay, Otter Creek, and Swamp Tales featuring the American Alligator, as well as new Freshwater Fish and Reptile exhibits. New habitats will create spaces for species such as the Bald Eagle, the Guadalupe Bass and the Diamondback Terrapin.
Held every other year, Beach Ball is a great opportunity to share a wonderful evening with friends while supporting the Aquarium and all it does for our community and state. Each year, some 500,000 people visit the Aquarium, which translates to an annual economic impact of more than $42 million. More than 1.7 million school children have participated in the Aquarium's award-winning education programs. The Aquarium is a wonderful asset for the Coastal Bend as well as being the Official Aquarium of Texas. Yet this important not-for-profit organization receives no operating support from the state, county or city and must rely on fundraising events like Beach Ball to add new exhibits and programs.
Over the years, Beach Ball has earned the reputation as the best gala event in town for its incredible entertainment, impressive live and silent auctions, great food and great fun all in the wonderful setting of the Texas State Aquarium.
Event Overview
Beach Ball 2008 will be held April 5, 2008 at the Texas State Aquarium.
5:30 p.m. Silent Auction and Cocktails in the Tent
7:30 p.m. Beach Ball Dinner
8:30 p.m. Live Auction
8:45 p.m. Golden Star Award
9:00 p.m. Silent Auction Closes
9:30 p.m. Entertainment by The Marshall Tucker Band
Dress for the evening is "Beach Chic" attire – Hawaiian shirts, khakis, tropical print dresses, and skirts. Whatever will be fun, festive and comfortable! So join this great rock-n-roll evening. Best of all, donors help contribute to a great cause.