MRC Conservation Achievement Awards Banquet 2020
Message From the Executive Director
Dear MRC Friends and Supporters,
As we celebrate 19 years of Lagoon Conservation Awards, I am reminded that we couldn’t do it without the many scientists, political leaders, educators, advocates, and supporters who are the true Lagoon heroes.
Since 1986, MRC has coordinated community input at numerous facilitated American Assemblies to share diverse viewpoints and create consensus for programmatic and political actions. Out of these Assemblies came the creation of the Lagoon’s first comprehensive management plan in 1986, the passing of bills to protect the Lagoon including the Indian River Lagoon Act in 1991, the creation of the National Estuary Program, and MRC’s keystone citizen science program, LagoonWatch. Federally recognized as one of our nation’s leading citizen science programs, LagoonWatch currently has no dedicated government funding and only continues thanks to the generous support of people like you. The Indian River Lagoon Report card was a priority action that came out of the 2014 Lagoon Action Assembly and was produced last year as MRC’s first IRL Health Update. These are just a few of the many examples of how collaboration has been key to moving forward. We can’t bring the Lagoon back to health by working alone, it will take a community!
Looking ahead to the next thirty years, Florida’s east coast will be facing the monumental challenge of an increasing population clashing with increasing sea level, increasing rainfall, and increasing storm intensity. We will rely on future Lagoon heroes to take the lead on actionable research, land use and conservation planning, reducing nutrient pollution, and developing innovative technologies. We need buffer lands to protect the Lagoon and open spaces to provide stormwater infiltration and absorption. Open spaces like parks, wetlands, and conservation lands are important as well as using Low Impact Design to reduce pavement on residential and commercial lands. We need political leaders who will disregard short-term interests to protect our community’s long-term quality of life. Thank you for your encouraging words, your intense dedication, your brilliant ideas, and your contributions to MRC and our Lagoon.
Each year MRC honors just a few of the many, many Lagoon heroes working cooperatively to bring our estuary of national significance back to health. (Please view the award categories, nominees, & winners listed below.) With this event, by honoring them, we honor all of you working to save our Lagoon.
Rejoicing in past successes and inspiring hope for the future, we are pleased to announce that more than 65 sponsors/contributors, seven volunteers, and 117 attendees of the 19th Annual Conservation Achievement Awards Banquet raised over $16,000 for MRC’s vital work to protect and improve the water quality of the Indian River Lagoon. Thank you!
~ Dr. Leesa Souto, Ph.D., Executive Director
Backdrop Photos
Event Photos
Congratulations to the 19th Annual Conservation Achievement Award Nominees. Thank you for all you do for our Lagoon!
(Winners Indicated with Blue Ribbon)
Albert Tuttle Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service
to the Indian River Lagoon Nominees
Click here to read about the Albert Tuttle Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service Nominees.
Indian River Lagoon Project of the Year Award Nominations
Click here to read about the Project of the Year Award Nominees.
Paul Kroegel Award for Outstanding Service to the Indian River Lagoon
by a Government Employee Nominees
Maggie Bowman Award for Outstanding Service to the Indian River Lagoon by an Elected Official Nominees
Stan Blum Award for Lifetime Service to the Indian River Lagoon Nominees
The Marine Resources Council is Pleased to Announce
Mr. Blair Wickstrom
as the 2019 Wave Maker of the Year Award Recipient for Outstanding Advocacy of the Indian River Lagoon.
Congratulations & Thank You for All You Do for Florida’s Waterways.
Featured 19th Annual Conservation Achievement Awards Banquet
Special Guest Speakers
Event Experience
We hope you will join us in celebration of the 19th Annual MRC Conservation Achievement Awards Banquet to honor extraordinary Indian River Lagoon conservation heroes.
This is an evening of famed speakers, unique art, wine, spirits, live music, and delectable food in recognition of esteemed organizations and individuals who have helped shape some of today’s most crucial lagoon conservation wins. Proceeds benefit the Marine Resources Council’s efforts to protect and conserve our cherished Indian River Lagoon.
When: Saturday, February 22, 2020 • 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
Where: The Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront Hotel
3003 N. Highway A1A
Melbourne, FL 32903
Fee: Limited $125 early bird tickets now available. Event is open to the public. Tickets are available on first come first serve basis.
This formal event is open to the public. Each ticket includes 2 complimentary adult beverages, 1 souvenir glass, choice of entree (Prime Rib, Spicy Grouper, Tuscan Marinated Chicken, or Roasted Vegetable Tower) with Chef’s choice of salad, vegetable, starch, and dessert.
Event Highlights Include:
- Live Music
- Dinner
- Silent and Live Auction
- Guest Speakers
- Award Ceremony
- Photo Walk
Special Need: Seeking Sponsors and Live Auction Items!
We are seeking to offer beach/vacation, fishing/boating experiences and other special items in our silent/live auction. Sponsorships start at $100. To discuss event sponsorship, and in-kind donations including auction items, please contact Steve at SharkeyMRC@gmail.com or 321-978-8862.
Sponsorship Levels and Benefits
Dolphin: $1,000
- Logo and name recognition in all available promotional materials, including signage, printed and internet promotions, press releases, event website, and social media
- Opportunity to introduce a guest speaker during the program
- Full page ad in event program
- 4 tickets to the event
- Opportunity to provide gift bags or branded items to event attendees
- Opportunity to provide volunteers for the event or serve at the event check-in
Manatee: $750
- Logo and name recognition in all available promotional materials, including signage, printed and internet promotions, press releases, event website, and social media
- 1/2 page ad in event program
- 4 tickets to the event
- Opportunity to provide branded item for gift bag
- Opportunity to provide volunteers for the event or serve at the event check-out
Snook: $500
- Logo and name recognition in all available promotional materials, including signage, printed and internet promotions, press releases, event website, and social media
- 1/4 page ad in event program
- 2 tickets to the event
- Opportunity to provide branded item for gift bag
- Opportunity to provide volunteers for the event
Redfish: $250
- Logo and name recognition in all available promotional materials, including signage, printed and internet promotions, press releases, event website, and social media
- Business card sized ad in the event program
- 1 ticket to the event
- Opportunity to provide printed marketing material for gift bag
- Opportunity to provide volunteers for the event
Oyster: $100
- Name recognition in all available promotional materials, including signage, printed and internet promotions, press releases, event website, and social media
- Business card size listing in the event program
- Opportunity to provide printed marketing material for gift bag
- Opportunity to provide volunteers for the event
Signature Sponsorship Opportunities
These exclusive sponsorship opportunities below help us deliver high quality and unique elements to the event. In return for your generous sponsorship, you will find recognition benefits associated with each level.
Printing: $500
Your company name on invitations, event program, event signage and flyers as the printing sponsors (Deadlines apply). Your staff can also volunteer at the event registration table.
Bar Sponsor: $500
Your company name prominently placed at the bar where many guests will partake of some signature wine & spirits.
Photo Walk Sponsor: $500
Company name/logo will be prominently placed on the step and repeat banner, which is a publicity backdrop used primarily for event photography, printed with a repeating pattern such that brand logos or emblems are visible in photographs of the individuals standing in front of it.
Auction Sponsor: $500
Your name will be featured during the live auction presentation and on materials to and package descriptions featured online and in email communications.
In-Kind Support
Your in-kind donation to help further reduce our event expenses are welcome. We will acknowledge you or your company as the donor of any of the in-kind items you contribute toward the event. Items needed include:
- Live Auction Items (i.e. Beach Houses, Sports Tickets (Corporate Suites), Unique Experiences, Boating, Fishing, etc.) — minimum value $100
- Signature art pieces
- Advertising: Print/TV/Radio
For additional information on event sponsorship, underwriting, and in-kind support, please contact Steve Sharkey at SharkeyMRC@gmail.com or 321-978-8862.
