Ocean love was in the air Saturday evening March 19 as about 200 supporters of SCCF’s water-related work gathered for the first-ever Cause on the Causeway.

“Our community let us know how much protecting and caring for our water means to them now and for future generations,” said SCCF CEO James Evans. “It’s a cause that is near and dear to all of our hearts and absolutely integral for our tourism-based economy.”

Under a massive tent on Causeway Island A, the inaugural Cause on the Causeway netted more than half a million dollars for SCCF and its Sanibel Sea School to continue to pursue vital science, education, and advocacy efforts focused on water. Beyond generous sponsorship donations and ticket sales, an animated auction raised funds specifically needed for Sea School scholarships, two student transport vans, two field work trucks, and a dock and boat lift for the R/V Norma Campbell.

“The funds raised will ensure that thousands of kids have the opportunity to experience our waters—many of whom live near the coast and have never been to the beach before,” said Evans. “The donations also support our water monitoring research, habitat management, sea turtle monitoring, oyster and mangrove restoration, and critical advocacy work grounded in field-based science.”