By Lee Ann Leonard
March 21 through 23, Pier Park proudly hosted “Turning for the Turtles,” a fundraiser benefitting the Gulf World Marine Institute, at SkyWheel PCB. On Saturday, March 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., donors received a Pier Park goodie bag and a sea turtle glitter tattoo—a $20+ value—with any $5 or $10 donation. Attendees also enjoyed free activities on Saturday as institute volunteers educated them on local marine life and the importance of protecting it. SkyWheel PCB accepted donations all weekend to help the nonprofit fund sea turtle and marine mammal rescue, rehab and release.
With additional contributions from Pier Park and SkyWheel PCB, the event raised $1,000 for the 501c3. Those funds will help offset institute costs associated with rehabilitating 1,200 cold-stunned sea turtles in late January. The organization received the primarily green sea turtles after a rare cold weather event in the St. Joe Bay area. According to the institute’s website, GWMI.info, sea turtles can go into shock when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. While the nonprofit released the majority, a few patients remain at the facility for medical observation.
Pier Park continues to collect donations for the Gulf World Marine Institute. The mall team gathers coins from its recently reimagined sea turtle fountains to contribute. The colorful fountains are in the mall’s food court and feature plaques inviting guests to support and learn more about the 501c3. Residents and visitors can donate there and at GWMI.info.
To learn more about Pier Park’s community outreach efforts, visit https://www.simon.com/mall/pier-park. While there, become a Mall Insider to stay updated on current trends, deals, store openings, events and more! You could win a $1,000 shopping spree!
