(CLEARWATER, FL – May 14, 2026) – Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) proudly hosted its first-ever Seas the Day luncheon fundraiser on Thursday, April 30, bringing together community leaders, partners and supporters for an inspiring afternoon dedicated to marine life rescue, rehabilitation and conservation.
Jamison Uhler of WTSP Channel 10 emceed the inaugural event, which welcomed nearly 250 attendees against the backdrop of CMA’s resident dolphins. Uhler shared a personal connection to CMA’s mission through his wife Amber, who has experience as an animal trainer. “This mission is close to our hearts,” Uhlmer said, standing before CMA’s dolphin population—now 11, up from five just one year ago. “Every one of these animals is here because someone chose to care.”
Thanks to the generosity of our in-kind sponsors, nearly all luncheon expenses were covered, allowing more than $160,000 in net proceeds to directly support animal welfare and care.
CMA CEO Joe Handy addressed attendees and outlined the organization’s expanding role as a trusted home for marine animals in need. “As other facilities across the country face increasing challenges, more animals are being entrusted to our care,” Handy said. “That trust is both an honor and a responsibility.”
He also highlighted upcoming expansions, including a new sea lion habitat and the “Wings and Wildlife” exhibit, which will soon house birds and tortoises. These developments reflect CMA’s commitment to providing lifelong care for non-releasable animals while enhancing public education and engagement.
With nearly 60 percent of visitors coming from outside the region, CMA leadership emphasized the importance of deeper local community involvement. “We are more than an aquarium—we are a working marine life hospital,” Handy noted. “When a community truly understands that, it supports it, advocates for it, and helps it grow.”
A special highlight of the luncheon came when CMA presented the inaugural Seas the Day Award to longtime supporters John and Jan Draheim. Through nearly two decades of board service and 15 years of volunteer dedication, respectively, the Draheims have played a vital role in shaping CMA’s mission and impact.
Helen Barrott, who also serves as Chair of CMA’s Development Committee, chaired the luncheon. She highlighted the powerful stories behind CMA’s resident animals, including dolphins Nicholas, Hope, and Izzy—each rescued from circumstances that could have ended very differently. “When you see these animals up close, you understand exactly why we are all here,” she said.
The event welcomed civic and business leaders, including Florida State Representative Kim Berfield, Former State Representative Sandy Murman, City of Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector, City of Clearwater City Manager Jennifer Poirrier, Former City of Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard, and Duke Energy’s Melissa Seixas. CMA also recognized Visit St. Pete/Clearwater President and CEO Brian Lowack and team, regional partners, the Tourist Development Council, and Pinellas County Commissioners for their continued support of CMA’s infrastructure growth.
Sponsors and in-kind partners ensured that nearly every dollar raised directly benefits animal care. Fintastic provided event photography, Barrott created the event design and centerpieces, and Puff ‘n Stuff Catering provided the full luncheon service. Major sponsors included International Diamond Center as the Turtle Sponsor, along with Shark Sponsors Universal Financial Consultants, Shumaker Advisors, and Barrott. Numerous Otter-level sponsors also contributed to the event’s success.
The event concluded with an invitation for attendees to deepen their involvement with CMA through opportunities to support future animal habitats and conservation initiatives.
For more information about Clearwater Marine Aquarium and how to support its mission, visit CMA’s official website, www.cmaquarium.org.
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Media Contact: Marsha Strickhouser | mstrickhouser@CMAquarium.org | (727) 242-0770
- 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, 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. CMAquarium.org.
© 2026 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