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SPOTLIGHT: South Carolina Aquarium
Staff Report //January 17, 2021//
Listen to this articleMission Statement:
To inspire conservation of the natural world by exhibiting and caring for animals, by excelling in education and research and by providing an exceptional visitor experience.
Name of organization:
South Carolina Aquarium
Year established locally: 2000
Top local executive:
Kevin Mills, President and CEO
Contact information
Address:
100 Aquarium Wharf
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: 843-577-3474
Website: www.scaquarium.org
Corporate giving contacts:
Chloe Garrison
Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer
Address: 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: 843-579-8694
E-mail: cgarrison@scaquarium.org
Average number of volunteers in 2019:
300
Total operating budget (2019-2020):
$13.4 million
Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 70%
Geographic area or specific population served: The state of South Carolina.
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2020 Top achievements:
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early March, South Carolina teachers and families had to adapt rapidly to a new learning landscape and were challenged with creating innovative learning experiences that kept students engaged and connected, both in the classroom and at home. In response, the Aquarium quickly shifted our efforts toward the development of a new slate of interactive virtual education programs, livestreamed directly from our facility and accessible to all via Facebook Live. Reaching 700,000+ people, this new platform of virtual programming has enabled the Aquarium to continue to engage our community in meaningful STEM programming and reach new audiences across South Carolina and beyond.
2021 Goals:
The South Carolina Aquarium recently launched Our World Without, a public fundraising campaign with a goal to raise $1.6 million to save our education programs and Sea Turtle Care Center. Our ultimate goal is to stabilize operations so we can continue inspiring the conservationists of tomorrow and caring for the sea turtles who need us most today.
Fundraising events:
Turtle Trek 5K
This annual family-friendly 5K race benefits the Sea Turtle Care Center. The event will take place in the fall of 2021. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Corporate giving opportunities:
The South Carolina Aquarium offers many corporate giving opportunities, from special event and exhibit sponsorships that provide robust brand visibility and employee engagement, to investments in programmatic offerings and effective conservation initiatives that generate a meaningful impact in our community. Additionally, the Aquarium offers membership to its Corporate Circle starting at $1,500 per year. Membership includes a unique slate of benefits and opportunities tailored to each partner. To discuss corporate giving opportunities, please contact Chloe Garrison, Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer.
Greatest need:
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Aquarium is facing significant financial hardship from the extended closure and current capacity constraints set in place for the health and wellbeing of guests, staff and volunteers. Now, the Aquarium is at risk of losing the heart and soul of who they are: Education programming and the Sea Turtle Care Center.
