The Marine Resources Council will hold its second annual Midsummer Night Gala at the Lagoon House in Palm Bay, on Saturday, Aug. 2 from 7-9 p.m. to raise money for lagoon research and restoration.
Guests “will enjoy an evening of lagoon legends, gourmet food and wine, live music, and a silent auction of artistic rain barrels, fun-filled gift baskets, and more,” according to MRC Executive Director Leesa Souto.
Guests of honor at the festive event will be State Senator Thad Altman and former Martin County Commissioner Maggy Hurchalla.
Hurchalla “has been a persistent, determined, intelligent, and powerful force for the Indian River Lagoon for over four decades,” according to MRC. “As a Martin County commissioner, she was instrumental in making Martin County the beautiful and balanced community it is today. She was and still is a defender of intelligent long-term comprehensive planning that considers future generations and not only short-term profits and political gains. Her efforts … turned the development paradigm on its head by showing that uncontrolled growth doesn’t pay for itself and is not economically sustainable.”
Martin County Commissioner Sarah Heard says, “No other individual has made a bigger contribution to what Martin County looks like and feels like than Maggy has.”
Sen. Altman, “led the effort in this year’s legislative session to secure $10 million to begin dredging the north end of the lagoon, $1 million of which will go to scientific research conducted by the Indian River Lagoon Research Institute at Florida Institute of Technology.”
He also helped secure an additional $10 million for dredging the Eau Gallie River, which feeds into the lagoon, and an additional $2 million to develop recommendations to improve the environmental and economic health of the coastal estuary.
Guests will enjoy chef-inspired Mediterranean food and wine from Matt’s Casbah, Nomad Café, Tuscany Grill, Pappagallo’s and D.I.G. Bistro. Valet parking will be provided by Ameristar Parking Solutions.
The Ted Moorhead Lagoon House is located on the river at 3275 Dixie Hwy NE, Palm Bay, just south of the Melbourne boundary. Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 at the door. MRC members receive a discount.
For more information, visit SavetheIRL.org
