Friends of GTM Research Reserve will host its annual signature fundraising event, “An Evening for the Estuary: Celebrating Nature’s Dance,” from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at Michael’s at Hyatt Place in Vilano Beach.
The evening will bring together community members, conservation supporters and local leaders for dining, live music and a silent auction benefiting the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve).
The GTM Research Reserve spans nearly 76,000 acres of protected coastal habitat and plays a vital role in safeguarding water quality, preserving wildlife habitat, strengthening storm resilience and providing hands-on environmental education in Northeast Florida. Funds raised through the annual benefit directly support scientific research, student learning programs and stewardship initiatives that protect the region’s estuarine ecosystem.
“We are thrilled to celebrate our estuary with the community while raising critical funds to protect this treasured ecosystem,” said DaleAnn Viger, executive director of Friends of GTM Research Reserve. “This event helps ensure that future generations can experience and learn from this remarkable coastal resource.”
John Bachman, former evening anchor at Action News Jax and co-founder of Bachman Galnor Communications, will serve as emcee.
Corporate sponsorship opportunities and silent auction donations remain available. Businesses interested in supporting the event may contact Viger at dale.viger@gtmnerr.org or 904-380-8610.
Through March 1, tickets are available at a $25 discount. A link to tickets can be found at: gtmnerr.org/calendar/an-evening-for-the-estuary.
