Join us for the Big Splash: An evening of discovery, inspiration, and connection — all in support of bold science for our blue planet!


Event Details

The Big Splash is a fundraising event dedicated to advancing the critical research of Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. As our oceans face increasing challenges, your support is vital to driving the scientific discoveries that will shape our future.



The Big Splash is a fun, inspiring party to engage caring people in the work we do.

The event will celebrate Bigelow's 50th anniversary and the opening of our new Center for Ocean Education and Innovation.

The night will include a special presentation by renowned National Geographic photographer, and Bigelow Laboratory Advisory Board member, Brian Skerry.

Brian Skerry in a wetsuit.

Event Program

Dancing shoes and ocean-inspired attire are encouraged

Sponsorship & Tickets

Only a few seats remain! Please contact Kim or Michael to inquire about any remaining seats. We will start a wait list once we sell out.


The Big Splash Planning Committee

  • Barbara Burgess, Committee Chair
  • Meg Adams
  • Liz Bengis
  • Maria Canning
  • Wendy Drummond
  • Sarah Foulger
  • Leigh Garry
  • Judy Kildow
  • Alison Prawer
  • Sharma Schacknow
  • Alice Canning Senko
  • Victoria Zeitz

Please help us thank our event sponsors:

Blue Planet Partners

Consigli Construction logo

Ocean Guardians

  • Paul & Giselaine Coulombe
  • Marion Flores & Frank Rees
  • Ina & Lewis Heafitz
  • Adam & Diana Lee
  • Liz & Arthur Martinez
  • Susan & Bill Thomas

Marine Champions

  • Jon & Mariann Bigelow
  • Deborah Bronk
  • Barbara & Bill Burgess
  • Chris & Kim Byrd
  • Wendy & Gentner Drummond
  • Leigh & Bob Garry
  • Marion & Mark Howard
  • Sarah Jeffords
  • Rick & Jean Rush
  • Schacknow Family Foundation
  • Alice Canning Senko
  • Drs. Wen J Wolf & Mary B Neal

Sea Stewards

  • The Alberding Family
  • Grace and Danny Evans
  • Sarah Foulger & Russ Hoffman
  • Alison & Todd Prawer
  • Chet & Evelyn Shuman
  • Jim & Marilyn Steane
  • Jock & Annie Winchester
  • Carmela & Rick Wise
  • Jock & Annie Winchester

Plankton Patrons

  • Liz & David Bengis
  • Stewart & Nancy Bither
  • Nancy & Dix Druce
  • Elaine Hebert & Jeff Suyematsu
  • Penny Paquette
  • Diane Campbell Saunders
  • Victoria & William Zeitz

Community Advocates

  • Ilene Barr
  • Priscilla Brooks & John Wigglesworth
  • Maria & Keith Canning
  • Tom & Sarah Clark
  • Cynthia Fenneman
  • Chris & Deezie Flower
  • Susan & Jeff Goodell
  • Eric & Sandi Hakanson
  • Madge Henning & Warren Davis
  • Judith & Alfred Kildow
  • Stephen Malcom & Martha Barrett
  • Mary & David Otto
  • Holly Stover
  • Clarice Yentsch & Wally Smith