New Nonprofit Organization, The Coral Nursery of Puerto Rico, holds their first community fundraiser at oceanfront restaurant, La Pescaderia, in Palmas Del Mar, PR, raising $15,633.72!
The event took place on none other than Earth Day, April 22nd, 2023.
This new organization is coming soon to Palmas Del Mar, a self-sustaining land-based coral nursery, growing corals 40x faster than natural regeneration using the micro-fragmentation method. At this rate, they're able to restore a 100 year-old sized coral in just 2 years!
At Cocktails for Corals, the sold-out guest list of over 65 attendees enjoyed premium cocktails, food served from La Pescaderia, live music by Joe Wiens Band, a silent-auction, and a presentation on what's to come for The Coral Nursery by Executive Director, Marissa Myer.
Each cocktail was thoughtfully executed to represent climate-change resist coral species that will be grown for restoration at the new land-based nursery. In the mood for a mimosa? Enjoy a "Finger Coral!"
You're a tequila lover? I'd reccomend the "Staghorn Coral!"
Individuals and local businesses came together donating prizes of all sorts including; Executive Coaching Sessions, Local Artwork, Golf Outtings, Local Coffee & Rum, Hotel & Airbnb Stays, and Massage Certificates, to name a few.
The fundraiser raised $5,560 on the silent auction alone!
Guests left feeling proud to be the first supporters of the night's fundraising initiative, raising money for a salt-water well. The well will be The Coral Nursery's water-intake, a non-negotiable part of a land-based nursery's functionality. The nursery was quoted $20,332 for the 4 inch PVC, 50 ft. well.
Executive Director, Marissa Myer, included in her presentation, "We're drinking for a salt-water well! Be proud when we're open and operational, when you see the well at our facility, know you were a part of the group that made that happen!" The crowd responded by yelling "cheers!" with a toast.
The community interest blew away all expectations, as a waiting list started to form for the event. The new founder joked, "What a good problem to have, next year, we will be hosting at a bigger venue!"
Once open and operational, locals and tourists alike can expect to get involved with daily tours, workshops, college internships, educational programs for grdes K-12, and countless volunteer opportunities.
The Coral Nursery plans to host "Cocktails for Corals annually, as their biggest, and classiest
event!"
By this time next year, we can hope Cocktails for Corals will be held oceanside, at the new facility. Located adjacent to the Wyndham Palmas Hotel, behind holes 3 & 4 of the Palmas Athletic Club Golf Course, next to the new and improved bar and restaurant, "Beach Bohio."
This new organization is only possible thanks to Partner, Dr. David Vaughan of Plant A Million Corals Foundation." Dr. Vaughan is the man behind the micro-fragmentation method, and the engineer of the Coral Restoration Unit, the facility of The Coral Nursery of Puerto Rico.
"This is all possible because of his life's work, we're so lucky to have him on our team." - Marissa Myer
If you didn't make it to this spectacular night, there will be more to come, "and together, we can restore our reefs!"
The Coral Nursery of Puerto Rico is a registered nonprofit both Federally, and in Puerto Rico.
501(c)3, and 1101.01. If you'd like more information, or to donate, head to
coralnursery.org. or,
Instagram: "@thecoralnursery"
Facebook: "@thecoralnurseryofpuertorico"
The Coral Nursery extends a big thank you to our sponsors Cocktails for Corals.
& pump tested
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