The Oregon Coast Aquarium is celebrating its 25-year history, and embarking on a major capital campaign to remodel and expand the Aquarium in Newport. They plan to hold a Special VIP Event this summer to celebrate the 25th anniversary, thank charter members and major donors, engage community leaders, cultivate philanthropists, and plant seeds among those who wish success for this ambitious campaign. There is no admission charged for this event, nor are there solicitations for donations or membership. The food is being sponsored by Oregon Coast Bank. Ten-twelve food/beverage stations will progress among key marine wildlife exhibits throughout the Aquarium grounds. Each station will feature complimentary heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts and non-alcoholic beverages, along with wine tastings. Each station will feature renderings of the Aquarium’s plans for renovation and expansion.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a non-profit organization which receives no government funding. A third of its operating revenue comes from donations, grants and memberships. They are seeking 10-12 Oregon vintners willing to pour for free at this event. Below are details:
DATE: Friday, Jul. 21, 6:00-8:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Oregon Coast Aquarium, 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR 97365
GUESTS: 250-350 major donors, charter members, leaders and dignitaries from across the state. This event will be held after the Aquarium’s closing hours for invited adult guests only.
ENTERTAINMENT: Local musicians will perform throughout the grounds. Weather permitting, some stations will be located among outdoor exhibits.
MARKETING OPPORTUNITY: Sponsor signage will include participating wineries willing to donate their product and pour at this event. Invitations will feature sponsor and participating vintner names, and be mailed to approximately 1,000 addresses: our major donors (businesses, foundations and individuals who contribute $1000+), charter and sustaining members, local government dignitaries, past and current board members (statewide) and partners. Vintners may distribute literature about their wines and wineries.
CONTACTS:
Molly G. Dumas, Dir. of Development, [email protected] 541.867.3474 x5216
Jason King, Events Coord., [email protected], 541.867.3474 x5319
ABOUT: The Oregon Coast Aquarium was founded 1984 and developed on 19 acres on the Yaquina Bay estuary in Newport, Oregon. It was intended to draw tourism, facilitate oceanic research and education, and bring economic prosperity to the community. Since opening in 1992, it has welcomed more than 14 million visitors from around the world. The Aquarium is frequently rated by travel writers as one of the top ten aquariums in the U.S. because of its naturalistic marine life exhibits, educational programming, and strong sense of place on the Pacific Ocean. Of the average 400,000 people who visit the Aquarium each year, 4% are Lincoln County residents, 58% are from other Oregon counties, 35% live outside of Oregon, and 3% are International. Of all visitors, 31% are children under 17, 29% are adults 18-24, 30% are adults 25-64, and 10% are seniors 65+. The 96% of Aquarium visitors who live outside Lincoln County spend an average $260 per stay (over 1.9 days), contributing $99,955,200 to the local economy and supporting hundreds of jobs.
WEBSITE: www.aquarium.org 501(C)(3)#: 93-0877807
