Big Splash Celebration Raises Funds for Bold Science

Last week, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences shared an evening of discovery, inspiration, and connection with over 250 friends and supporters of the institute with its Big Splash fundraiser.

The celebratory night included an informative presentation by Brian Skerry, a renowned National Geographic photographer who also serves on Bigelow Laboratory’s Advisory Board. Skerry spoke in the forum of the new Harold Alfond Center for Ocean Education and Innovation, which just opened to the public last month. The rest of the event, though, took place under a tent of sparkling lights on the institute’s expansive grounds — perfect for a cool, Maine summer evening and a fitting close to the institute’s 50th anniversary celebrations and almost two years of construction.

“Big Splash is a great opportunity to celebrate the important research at Bigelow and thank all those donors who make it possible,” said Barbara Burgess, member of the planning committee and a member of the Bigelow Laboratory Board of Directors. “It’s also an evening of inspiration and education. Brian Skerry’s powerful images of marine life left many with teary eyes, and President Deborah Bronk highlighted the sense of urgency in protecting our beloved and fragile ocean.”

Over the course of the event, the institute raised over $580,000 in sponsorships, sweepstakes, and bids, far exceeding the original fundraising goal. As several speakers over the course of the night pointed out, that support is more important than ever as science institutes like Bigelow Laboratory grapple with unprecedented uncertainty around research funding at the federal level.

Bold Science Defenders and Blue Planet-level sponsors of the evening included Consigli Construction Co., Inc, Harriman, HM Payson, and Bristol Seafood. The full list of sponsors that made the event possible is available at bigelow.org/bigsplash.

Highlights of the night included live music by Novel Jazz, a band helmed by senior research scientist emeritus Barney Balch, as well as delicious food and drinks and dancing. During a spirited live auction, attendees could bid on numerous exciting experiences, such as a curated expedition to Allen and Benner islands to explore Wyeth Historic Site, a private dinner hosted by Glidden Point Oyster Farm, a week-long stay in the French Alps, and more.

"The night was beautiful on every level,” said Deborah Bronk, president and CEO of Bigelow Laboratory. “I have a lot of gratitude for our team who worked so hard to make sure the night was so fun, and I’m so thankful for — and inspired by — all the people who showed up to celebrate and support our science!”

Food and alcohol were provided by Trillium Caterers, Pine State Trading, Maine Beer Company, Love Point Oysters, and Blackstone Point Oysters. ECF Entertainment served as the DJ for the evening, while Laura Carey, of Little Heirloom Photography, and Nastassja DeLoge, photographed the evening. Other vendors who contributed included Sherman’s Bookstore, Lincoln County Publishing, New England Tent & Awning, Wallace Events, Maine Event Design, Braverman Bros Audio, and Sunbelt Rentals.