Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center - Capital Campaign Q & A

What is Florida Oceanographic?

Florida Oceanographic Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1964 by James Rand and five community leaders. The founding directors envisioned the organization to support the study of marine sciences and to disseminate information to the public.

What is the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center?

40 Acres of Marine and Nature Adventures! Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is an environmental educational framework for the exhibitions and programs that makes strategic use of the Center's location on the Indian River Lagoon at the St. Lucie Inlet, the most bio-diverse area in North America.

What is your Mission?

Florida Oceanographic's mission is "to protect, preserve and restore Florida's ocean and coastal ecosystems through education, research and personal stewardship."

Who is your target audience at Florida Oceanographic?

Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center involves children, their families, caregivers and educators in "igniting" a sense of personal stewardship for Florida's coastal ecosystems. We serve audiences of all ages, but we are a special place for family learning. Our strongest focus is on children who will care for the future of this community.

Why are you expanding?

The timing could not be more critical when it comes to educating our children and adults about Florida's fragile coastal ecosystems. Sixteen million people now live in Florida with 75% living in coastal communities. The expansion to the Coastal Center is needed to accommodate the increase in visitation we are experiencing. Our advocacy work on behalf of the public regarding the conditions of South Florida's water and our reputation have contributed to a 68% increase in 2000 and a 35% increase in visitors for 2001.

What types of programming will you be adding?

Our Phase I expansion plans include a Sea Turtle Pavilion, Gulf Stream Shark Pavilion, Children's Touch Tank Pavilion and the Treasure Coast Fishing Center all surrounding a million gallon Game Fish Lagoon. Also included in Phase I is a new Resource Center, which will house our environmental library, a wet lab, classroom and our administrative offices.

Will there be programming for children?

Definitely! We currently serve thousands of school children from Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and other surrounding counties. Through our teaching and programming, our goal is to change the generational views of how we care for and preserve our unique environments.

Why should I contribute to Florida Oceanographic?

Every gift makes a difference. Your gift is an investment in the environmental future of our community. Your support will help Florida Oceanographic share our passion for personal stewardship of our unique Florida coastal environments through hands-on learning and educational experiences. Your contribution to Florida Oceanographic entitles you to many membership benefits for you to share with your children and grandchildren.

Download a Contribution Agreement

From more information or to contribute to the Campaign please contact:
					Nancy Perry
					890 NE Ocean Blvd.
					Stuart, FL 34996
					Phone (772) 225-0505 ext. 109
					FAX  (772) 225-4725

Florida Oceanographic is a 501©(3) non-profit corporation and all gifts are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.

890 NE Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, Florida 34996 (772) 225-0505
URL: http://www.floridaoceanographic.org/capital.html
Revised January 3, 2003