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Fin-Raiser nets funds for MERR in Lewes

Nonprofit helps rescue marine animals
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute.  Shown flanking executive director Suzanne Thurman, center, are (l-r) Tom Kehl, Cindy Kehl, Lynn Duryen, Karen Glunt and Lynn Lambertson. BY DAREN CRISWELL
Billie Criswell
November 29, 2011
Donna Ferragut is MERR's secretary.  She also donated this quilt for the auction. BY DAREN CRISWELL
Photographer Kevin Fleming and Rep. Ruth Briggs-King, R-Milford, volunteer as celebrity bartenders at the Fin-Raiser. BY DAREN CRISWELL
Teresa Ford, left, and Irene Flick peruse items at the silent auction. BY DAREN CRISWELL
Terry Plowman, left, and Rob Rector BY DAREN CRISWELL
Shown (l-r) 33/13 band members Ben King, Linda Beebe and Terry Stucklik perform. BY DAREN CRISWELL
Michael Maybroda and Heather Campbell of Stephen & Co. Salon and Spa enjoy the MERR festivities. BY DAREN CRISWELL
MERR supporters enjoy the annual gala at the Lewes Yacht Club. BY DAREN CRISWELL

A sea of volunteers greeted a sold-out crowd at the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute's annual Fin-Raiser Nov. 19 at the Lewes Yacht Club.

The event featured an array of silent and live auction items, donated by various local businesses, artists and organizations. Suzanne Thurman, MERR executive director, explained why this year’s event stands out from previous years.

“This year the budget is hanging from two years of declining donations," she said. "We aren’t alone.  Lots of nonprofits are seeing a decline. This year sold out; we have absolutely fabulous donations as well as lots of local support. The fact that we sold out says a lot.”

The nonprofit organization helps to keep marine life safe and helps to educate people about marine animals.  From rescuing stranded marine animals to conservation, research and education, MERR's outreach efforts touch an estimated 10,000 people each year.

The relationship between sea creatures and the organization, though, is mutually beneficial.

“We learn a great deal from the animals that is indicative of the quality of ocean life,” said Thurman.

The volunteers wore bright blue shirts at the Fin-Raiser, donating their time to make the event a success.  At the  wine bar, Delaware Beach Life publisher Terry Plowman and photographer Kevin Fleming lent their local celebrity to the cause as did Rep. Ruth Briggs King, R-Georgetown. Others, such as Capt. John and Mary Plowman, donated their sailboat for an afternoon cruise, complete with a lunch from Espuma chef Jay Caputo.

The waterfront setting at the Lewes Yacht Club and the acoustic ambiance, courtesy of the band 33 1/2, warmed up the crowd, adding to a sense of community that seemed to arise as people came together to help the institute and support its work.

MERR is looking for new volunteers and has an ongoing wish list of supplies, posted on the organization's website. There are lots of ways to help keep MERR going strong. To volunteer or to make a donation, go to merrinstitute.org.

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