Last week, over 250 friends and supporters of Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences came together for an evening of discovery and inspiration. Through the Big Splash fundraiser, the institute raised over $800,000 in sponsorships and bids — far exceeding the original fundraising goal — all of which will go to support the institute’s “bold science for our blue planet.”

The celebratory event featured a presentation of some amazing recent discoveries by senior research scientists John Burns and David Fields. They took the audience on a virtual tour of the ocean, from the frigid shores of Antarctica to the depths of the twilight zone to the Maine coastline where a wild world of microbes thrive in seemingly nondescript mudflats. With each stop, the researchers, joined by CEO and President Deborah Bronk, emphasized how much scientists have yet to learn about the ocean.

“The Splash Gala evening was magical, with great energy in the room,” said Sharma Schacknow, one of the event’s co-chairs. “The whole planning committee made a terrific team — an excellent collaboration from start to finish — and the total funds raised sailed far beyond our expectations. We were blown away by the generosity of our neighbors and friends in helping Bigelow Laboratory advance its scientific mission.”

Top-level Bold Science Defenders and Planet Ocean-level sponsors of the evening included Corient (formerly HM Payson), Paul and Giselaine Coulombe, Peter and Jocelyn Handy, Leigh and John Reaves, and the Tagliabue Family Foundation. A number of Ocean Guardian, Marine Champion, Sea Steward, and Plankton Patron sponsors also helped make this event possible.

Senior Research Scientist Emeritus Barney Balch graced the audience with music throughout the cocktail hour with his band, Novel Jazz, while dancing and celebrating continued well into the night under a tent full of sparkling lights. During a spirited live auction, attendees bid on several exciting experiences, including an evening on a luxury yacht, a weekend at a cattle ranch in the open plains of Oklahoma, a research cruise with scientists, a week at Maine’s Sunday River Resort, and a fishing charter expedition.

“I always say the ocean is our planet’s greatest treasure, and we’ve only just scratched the surface on all the potential it holds,” Bronk said. “Our incredible community of supporters make it possible for us to explore deeper — literally and figuratively! — and with their support, I know we’ll come out of these uncertain times stronger than ever.”

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is an independent, nonprofit research institute located in East Boothbay, Maine. From the Arctic to the Antarctic, Bigelow Laboratory scientists use innovative approaches to study the foundation of global ocean health and unlock its potential to improve the future for all life on the planet. Learn more at bigelow.org.