Tides of March benefit sets new records
Published 12:01 am Tuesday, March 20, 2012
PORT TOWNSEND — The eighth annual Tides of March benefit auction was a record-setting fundraiser, drawing more than 300 people and raising $80,000, the Port Townsend Marine Science Center said Friday.
Out of the grand total, $25,225 was given during the Fund-A-Need portion of the benefit to support youth programs and scholarships.
Both totals were higher than last year’s, with Fund-A-Need gaining about $14,000 in 2011, said Anne Murphy, executive director for the center.
Last year’s grand total was 17 percent less than this year’s, she said.
“We’re so grateful for the outpouring of generosity expressed at our action this year,” Murphy said. “The funds raised allow us to offer scholarships to every school in Jefferson County and many others in bordering counties.
“We’re in awe of our community’s generosity.”
Proceeds support youth education, citizen science and adult/family programs, inspiring stewards of the marine environment, Murphy said.
Food for the auction, which is sponsored by Port Townsend Sails, was provided by 19 local chefs.
Auction items included a ride around downtown Port Townsend in a 1926 Model Ford TT truck; rowing with the Northwest Maritime Center’s director in the 26-foot longboat Captain Vancouver; passage on the MV Coho ferry to spend the night at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria; guided beach fly-fishing; and a week’s vacation to Loreto on the Sea of Cortez.
“On behalf of the children, families and animals who receive so much from the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, our heartfelt thanks goes out to the many, many people and businesses who made our auction such a success this year,” said Liesl Slabaugh, development director for the center.
The Port Townsend Marine Science Center, which is located on the beach at Fort Worden State Park, has two public exhibits.
The Natural History Exhibit highlights the zone where land meets sea. It is open from noon to
4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for youths and free to members of the center.
The Marine Exhibit is closed for the season and will reopen April 6.
For more information, phone 360-385-5582, email info@ptmsc.org or visit www.ptmsc.org.
