Recap: Half Shells for Habitat, Patuxent River Banquet 2018
Coastal Conservation Association Maryland’s Patuxent River Chapter hosts Half Shells for Habitat, a fundraising event with a focus on growing the Living Reef Action Campaign (LRAC) into Southern Maryland
SOLOMONS, MARYLAND (Thursday, October 11, 2018)--- In spite of the wild weather, more than 80 local members, conservationists and friends came out to show their support for CCA Maryland. The focus of the night was to support the growth of CCA Maryland’s flagship habitat, education and outreach program, the Living Reef Action Campaign (LRAC).
Over the last 3 years CCA’s staff and volunteer leaders have worked with over 3,000 students in 6 counties to build over 1000 reef balls. Each reef ball will be covered in oyster spat prior to deployment, and provide 3-D relief that will jump start the growth of the reef.
“We know that oysters are the foundation of the Bay and are proud to support the expansion of LRAC into southern Maryland” said John Kelly, President of Kelly Generator & Equipment, Half Shells for Habitat’s Campaign Sponsor. “As a local business we’re glad to give to a program that helps local students and community members become more connected to the bay.” Kelly and his guests will be one of the first groups to build reef balls in Southern Maryland next spring at Kelly Generator in Owings, Maryland.
Chapter President, Jonathan Bland and Pax River members kicked off the evening with freshly shucked St. George Island oysters from Shore Thing Shellfish and cool drinks sponsored by SweetWater Brewing Company at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons. “I’m proud to see our community coming together to support such an important cause and thank all of my fellow volunteers for helping make the first banquet I’ve worked on as chapter president a success” said Bland.
The silent auction featured paintings donated by local artist and chapter member, Martin Schubert and top-of-the-line fishing gear along with beautifully crafted handmade flies—it was an angler’s dream.
Live Auction items included trips like a South African Photo Safari, a Wyoming Fishing Adventure and an authentic Eastern Shore turkey hunt with CCA Maryland’s Executive Director, David Sikorski.
Attending events like this one, membership and a gift to the cause are great ways to help support CCA Maryland’s programs. Join us and get involved with projects like these. Reach out to your local chapter leader to learn more. https://www.ccamd.org/about-cca/chapters/
This event was made successful by the help of Patuxent River Chapter members, volunteers and our generous sponsors.