The night will feature prestigious awards, silent and live auctions, and a disco after party
CLEARWATER, FL (April 14, 2025) — Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) will present its highly anticipated AquaGala on April 26, a luxurious event aimed at supporting the Aquarium’s ongoing rescue, rehabilitation and release initiatives. With the theme of “Disco Under the Sea,” guests will be treated to an unforgettable evening of ocean-inspired cuisine provided by CMA’s new exclusive caterer, Puff ‘n Stuff, signature cocktails, sparkling décor and live entertainment, all in support of CMA’s mission to protect marine life.
AquaGala promises a night of sophistication and celebration, with exquisite food, captivating performances, and a closer look at the vital work being done at CMA. Attendees will also enjoy animal encounters and live music, making it an unforgettable event of the year.
The evening atmosphere will blend the glitz of disco with the enchanting allure of the marine environment. Guests will join Emcee TV personality and ABC Action News reporter Sean Daly, while bidding on lavish items and experiences during both live and silent auctions.
The event will be held at the stunning Jacobson Ballroom at CMA, allowing guests to enjoy an immersive experience surrounded by the aquarium’s resident rescued animals, including dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays and river otters. AquaGala will feature an extensive silent auction featuring exclusive packages from hotels, exclusive CMA experiences, Florida attractions, aquatic adventures, jewelry and more. Registration and bidding for silent auctions will begin early online, allowing guests to participate in supporting CMA’s mission of conservation, even if they are unable to attend the event. Live auction bidding will be exclusively available at AquaGala on April 26.
“The success of AquaGala directly impacts our ability to provide essential care for our animals, expand our facility, and grow our educational outreach,” said Joe Handy, CEO of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. “Your support tonight is an investment in the future of our oceans—and a legacy that will be felt for generations to come.”
“At Clearwater Marine Aquarium, we know that real impact is made when people come together for a cause greater than themselves,” Handy shared. “AquaGala allows us to reflect on the lives we’ve touched—both human and animal—and to honor those who make this work possible. We are deeply grateful to everyone who continues to stand by our side.”
In addition to the celebration, CMA will honor two outstanding community leaders who have supported CMA for many years, by presenting special awards. Randy Ware of West Coast Medical Resources will receive the Frank Chivas Positive Impact Award and Bridget Starr will be presented with the Winter’s Hope Award for her dedication to marine conservation. (See link above for photos and bios.)
The Frank Chivas Positive Impact Award is an honor presented by CMA to individuals who have significantly contributed to the community, embodying the spirit of positive influence and dedication. This award is named after Frank Chivas, distinguished restaurateur and philanthropist renowned for his extensive charitable work in Clearwater. The Winter’s Hope Award is presented annually by CMA to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to marine conservation.
After dinner, awards and auctions, guests will be invited to an exclusive afterparty, where the drinks will be flowing, the music will be pumping, and the dance floor will be alive with energy—truly an experience where disco meets the sea.
Proceeds from the event will directly benefit the ongoing care and rehabilitation of CMA’s animals, as well as help fund the expansion of the facility to accommodate future species arrivals.
CMA invites all supporters of marine life, conservationists, and animal lovers to join them for this special evening. Attending AquaGala will provide not only a memorable experience but also contribute to the continued success of CMA’s mission.
For more information about AquaGala and to purchase tickets, please visit CMA’s website at https://www.cmaquarium.org/event/aquagala-2025/
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Media Contact: Marsha Strickhouser | mstrickhouser@CMAquarium.org | (727) 242-0770
Jen Fields | jen.fields@columbuszoo.org | (614) 645-3579
- About Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. With a mission to preserve the environment and its marine life, CMA is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, a nurse shark and more. Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles. Major motion picture Dolphin Tale (2011) and its sequel Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) features the true stories of rescued resident dolphins Winter and Hope, inspiring millions around the world. The mission and potential to change people’s lives differentiates Clearwater Marine Aquarium from any other aquarium in the world.
© 2025 Clearwater Marine Aquarium | 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767 | 727-441-1790 | mission.cmaquarium.org | cmaquarium.org
We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
A Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) organization