Photos by Mark Molesworth

At top, cheers galore as generous donors raise a glass to help Harbor Watch and Earthplace fund future projects. At bottom left, Nancy Diamond and Jeffrey Mayer select some fresh Connecticut oysters. Sarah Chuck from Bedford, N.Y. slurps her 55th oyster of the day, bottom right.

WESTPORT – Over 160 supporters sipped cocktails and slurped oysters Saturday evening to support clean water and science education efforts by Harbor Watch at the 14th annual Cocktails & Clams event on Saturday evening at Copps Island Oysters in Norwalk.

The annual fundraiser supports Harbor Watch, a program started in 1986 and sponsored by Westport-based Earthplace, which directly supports science education programs and celebrates efforts to keep the waters of Long Island Sound clean. The sell-out event featured an unlimited raw bar with fresh oysters and clams, canapés, drinks, and live music at the Copps Island Oysters venue on Norwalk Harbor.

Earthplace board member Jim Corgel (center), shares a laugh with former Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe (Left) and Rob Lawrence.

All sponsorship proceeds and donations went towards a $50K goal to bridge a gap in federal funding.

“Harbor Watch has a long-standing commitment to cultivating the next generation of environmental leaders through our distinctive educational programs, and the need for community support has never been greater,” said Nikki Spiller, Director of Harbor Watch.

“The Harbor Watch programs are unique because we bring students directly into the outdoors, using rivers and harbors as our classroom and give students the opportunity to work in a state-certified laboratory. The education program offerings aim to foster a connection with the environment and build skill sets that will set them apart from their peers when choosing a major or applying for jobs in the sciences.”

Employees of Copps Island Oysters shucking clams and oysters at the Cocktails and Clams fundraiser.

Speeches were given by Mary Donato, Research and Education Coordinator for Harbor Watch, and Tony McDowell, Executive Director of Earthplace.

“We have lost sources of our federal funding and your support tonight will keep the important work that Harbor Watch does going,” Donato said.

Since its inception, Harbor Watch has trained more than 1,000 high school students, college interns, and adult volunteers in the work of protecting and improving the biological integrity of Long Island Sound and has monitored over 250 sites for a variety of physical and biological parameters. 

Matthew Mandell, Westport RTM member and Executive Director and President of Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, and his wife, Cara Aber, share a light moment at the Cocktails and Clams fundraiser.

 

 

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