Upper Keys: Gala to raise the reef

Upper Keys: Gala to raise the reef - A group of people on a stage in front of a crowd - Wedding reception

Foundation’s biggest event set for April 1

Coral reefs will get their due for two days at the start of April.

The Coral Restoration Foundation will host its fifth annual gala on Saturday, April 1 at the Ocean Reef Club in north Key Largo. The next day will feature an open house and seminars on coral reef and environmental issues.

The gala on Saturday is set to begin at 5 p.m. with a VIP reception, where guests can enjoy craft cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while they mingle with the foundation’s leaders.

Following the reception, the Raise the Reef Gala will begin promptly at 6:30.

The night will be filled with silent and live auctions and is the foundation’s largest fundraiser. Along with food and drink, special keynote speaker Bob Talbot will hold a presentation to discuss various conservation initiatives. Talbot is an internationally recognized marine life photographer and award-winning filmmaker. Tickets for the Raise the Reef Gala are $250.

“We’re currently engaged in the largest reef restoration in the Florida Keys,” said Martha Roesler, chief development officer of the foundation. “We’re really excited to have Mr. Talbot and our other speakers.”

On April 2, an open house and seminar with guest speakers from partnering organizations will be held at Murray Nelson E. Government Center.  Presentations will be held throughout the day starting at 11 a.m. Topics include improving the health of oceans, restoring reefs and empowering change, staghorn and elkhorn coral restoration in the Upper Keys, and the impact of and some every solutions to marine debris

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to get involved with the foundation. More information on both events is online at gala.coralrestoration.org.

Gabriel Sanchez is a Marathon native, Navy veteran, and struggling musician. He’s living proof that great things … are short and have good hair (including facial). Sixty percent of the time, he makes 90 percent of the deadlines.