Just like so many homes and businesses in the region, the New York Aquarium was devastated by Super Storm Sandy’s wind and rain.
The aquarium was just a few days away from breaking ground on a new exhibit: “Ocean Wonders: Shark!” The exhibit was to provide visitors with a close-up look at one of the world’s least understood creatures.
But before the shovel could be pushed down into the dirt, everything changed. A fit of anger by Mother Nature more vicious than any shark wreaked havoc not only on the aquarium, but across much of the Northeast.
Part of the aquarium reopened in May, and if all goes as planned, the facility should be fully operational by the spring of 2016. While the damage caused by Sandy was difficult to fathom, the devastation also provided an opportunity. It gave the operators of the aquarium a chance to take a step back and to re-invent a significant portion of the facility.
Rebuilding an aquarium costs money, and more than $300,000 already has been raised. On September 12, the Wildlife Conservation Society hopes to raise another large sum through an event dubbed, “Sip for the Sea.” The walk-around gala will take place at the Central Park Zoo, with ticket options accommodating either two or three hours of food and wine sampling.
Among the New York restaurants that have been lined up to provide fabulous nibbles are The Lambs Club, Blue Water Grill and Parlor Steakhouse.
The wine will be just as stellar because it will feature bottlings from The Hess Collection’s entire portfolio. Donald Hess owns wineries in top growing regions around the world, including California’s Napa Valley.
The Hess Collection works with the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Seafood Watch program to promote sustainable seafood (that can be paired with sustainable wine). So, getting involved with the Wildlife Conservation Society and its “Sip for the Sea” fundraiser makes perfect sense.
Festive attire is requested, and ticket information is available here.
