~~~ Environmental Learning Center’s Mangroves, Moonlight & Mykonos Fundraiser ShinesUnder the Stars ~~~ Vero Vine ~~~ Vero Beach, FL

Vero Beach, FL – The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) hosted a truly magical evening on
its campus on Saturday, March 1st with its Mangroves, Moonlight & Mykonos fundraiser,
bringing together an incredible community of supporters for a night of celebration, philanthropy,
and environmental advocacy. The island setting in the middle of the Indian River Lagoon at the
facility’s event pavilion was the perfect backdrop for the over 200 guests who enjoyed a Greek-
inspired soirée, raising a total of $344,680—with a net of $305,148. That means 89 cents of
every dollar will directly support the ELC mission and make a meaningful impact.
This dynamic 37-year-old organization has a budget of ~$1.6M, with about a third of that coming
from earned revenue sources such as field trips, camps, and ecotours, leaving over $1M to be
generated from philanthropic contributions each year.
Event Highlights:
● Incredible Community Support – Thanks to over 200 generous donors, sponsors, and
attendees, a net of $305,148 was raised to further environmental education and
conservation efforts at the ELC.
● Live Music & Dancing – Guests enjoyed each other’s company and danced under the
stars to the electrifying sounds of a live band performing on the pavilion stage, bringing
energy, excitement, and a festive atmosphere to the evening.
● Signature Cocktail & Greek-Inspired Cuisine – The crowd enjoyed delicious
Mediterranean flavors, an open bar, and a themed cocktail, the Aegean Sunset.
● Silent Auction & Raffle Success – The night featured a silent auction with coveted
items, from luxury getaways to exclusive experiences raising almost $20,000 and an
exciting 50/50 raffle of nearly $8,000.
● Enchanting Atmosphere –The versatile Education & Event Pavilion was transformed
into a Mykonos-inspired dream, with twinkling lights, glowing tables in Aegean
blues, and bougainvillea rose.
● Call to the Heart – The fast-paced paddle raise focused on supporter demonstration of
commitment to the ELC cause was the thrilling and heart-warming pinnacle of the
triumphant evening raising over $100,000!

A Night to Remember
“We are beyond grateful for the overwhelming support we received at Mangroves, Moonlight &
Mykonos,” said Heidi Leone Royals, Director of Philanthropy at the Environmental
Learning Center. “Seeing our community come together—dancing under the stars, bidding in
our auction, and giving so generously—was truly heartwarming. Every dollar raised helps us
continue our work in environmental education and conservation, ensuring a brighter future for
the Indian River Lagoon and beyond.”
Executive Director Barbara Schlitt Ford applauded the ELC Team for their efforts which led to
this fruitful fundraiser. “The unmatched success of this event would not have been possible
without our dedicated sponsors, donors, staff, board members, volunteers, and attendees.
Their generosity and enthusiasm fuel our mission, and we are honored to have such a
passionate community by our side. Guests sharing that they left feeling informed, engaged, and
inspired says it all!”

For more information on upcoming events, programs, and ways to support the Environmental
Learning Center, please visit DiscoverELC.org or call 772-589-5050.
About the Environmental Learning Center: The Environmental Learning Center is a 64-acre
lagoon-island nature center dedicated to educating, inspiring, and empowering individuals to
become active stewards of the environment. It is open seven days a week to members and
drop-in guests.
View More Photos from Mangroves, Moonlight & Mykonos HERE