MRC Conservation Achievement Awards Banquet April 5, 2019
Message & Event Results From MRC’s Executive Director
Dear Members, Supporters, and Friends:
Thank you for your enthusiastic support and partnership as we work together on what may be our community’s greatest challenge — bringing back a healthy Lagoon. It is my honor to work with you on this goal and I am humbled and inspired by your efforts every day.
Too much pollution has been channeled to the coast through our waterways and it’s taking a tremendous toll on our environment and quality of life. We are fortunate to have outstanding individuals and groups who are taking the lead to solving this crisis by setting an example in Indian River Lagoon coastal communities.
Each year we honor 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 over 65 sponsors/contributors, over 7 volunteers, and 117 attendees of our 2019 Annual Conservation Achievement Awards Banquet raised over $17,000 for MRC’s vital work to improve our Lagoon’s water quality. Thank you!
Warm wishes for an impactful year ~ Leesa Souto, Ph.D., Executive Director
Click any photo for a larger image, or click here to view all photos from this event.
Awards & Attending Nominees Include:
Stan Blum Lifetime Award for Conservation
Albert Tuttle Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service
Maggie Bowman Award for Outstanding Service by an Elected Official
Paul Kroegel Award for Outstanding Service by a Government Employee
Project of the Year Award
These talented and dedicated conservationists are identified by the MRC Membership and honored through a nomination process. Voting Has Ended. The winners will be announced during the ceremony. For information on becoming an official member of the Marine Resources Council please visit http://bit.ly/2y2T0ZQ.
Event Experience
Help us celebrate the 18th 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 our esteemed partners 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: Friday, April 5, 2019 • 6:00 pm–9:00 pm
Where: The Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront Hotel
3003 N. Highway A1A
Melbourne, FL 32903
This formal event is open to the public. Each ticket includes 2 complimentary adult beverages and choice of entree (Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Chicken Mediterranean, and Roasted Vegetable Lasagna).
Learn About Our 2020 Awards
Event Highlights Include:
- Live Caribbean & Steele Drum Music by Chester Murray
- Silent and Live Auction
- Guest Speakers
- Souvenir Glass
- Photo Walk
Guest Speakers Include:
- Famed Environmentalist & South FL Political Powerhouse Maggy Hurchalla
- Mark Perry, Executive Director of Florida Oceanographic Society / President of the Rivers Coalition, Inc.
- Courtney Barker, Satellite Beach City Manager
- Dr. Anthony J. Catanese, university administrator, author, and former President & CEO of Florida Institute of Technology
- Mary Ellen Baldwin, CFP, Principal Financial Planner of Mary Baldwin & Associates, and financial columnist for Florida Today
Ride With Maggy Hurchalla to the 18th Annual MRC Conservation Awards Dinner
For those attending from the south end of the Lagoon, FOR AN EXTRA FEE, a shuttle will be available for you to ride to and from the Awards Dinner with Maggy Hurchalla! The shuttle will depart from the Publix Super Market at Seabreeze Shoppes (900 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996) in Stuart at 3:30 pm and depart the Awards Dinner at 9:00 pm following the festivities.
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. Please view available sponsorship opportunities at http://bit.ly/2GwlZM6. To discuss event sponsorship, and in-kind donations including auction items, please contact Steve Sharkey at SharkeyMRC@gmail.com or 321-978-8862.
Learn About Our 2020 Awards
Sponsorship Levels and Benefits
Dolphin: $1,000
- Logo and name recognition in all 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
- Personal meet and greet with guest speakers. 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 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 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 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 $500
- Signature art pieces (please refer to the call for art guidelines)
- Advertising: Print/TV/Radio
Important Deadlines
Friday, March 1: Deadline to be listed as a printing underwriter on invitations.
Friday, March 15: Deadline to get artwork in for event program ads. Deadline to be listed as a printing sponsor on event program.
For additional information on event sponsorship, underwriting, and in-kind support, please contact Steve Sharkey at SharkeyMRC@gmail.com or 321-978-8862.
Payment Options
- Register Online Now at (Direct link: http://bit.ly/2GwlZM6).
- Remit a Check by Mail Payable to Marine Resources Council (Please write “Awards Sponsor” in the memo line and include a phone number.) at 3275 Dixie Hwy NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905.