Bigelow Ocean Education & Innovation Center

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.

Thursday, July 24, 2025
5:30 - 10:30 pm
Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences
60 Bigelow Drive, East Boothbay

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

Cocktail Hour & Oyster Bar with Novel Jazz
Presentation by Brian Skerry
Dinner catered by Trillium
Live Auction
Dancing

Dancing shoes and ocean-inspired attire are encouraged

Big Splash Live Auction

Unforgettable, exclusive experiences only accessible via the Big Splash.

To bid remotely via an authorized representative, please inform Michael Vilarello at mvilarello@bigelow.org or 207-315-2567 x126.

Coastal Indulgence – A Private Gourmet Wine Dinner for Eight
Hosted by Leigh and Bob Garry & Wendy and Gentner Drummond

Low angle shot of a Maine cottage and gardens

Savor an unforgettable evening of fine wine, exceptional food, and coastal elegance with this exclusive private dinner experience for eight guests. Hosted by Leigh and Bob Garry & Wendy and Gentner Drummond, this one-of-a-kind evening takes place at a stunning ocean-view home, offering the perfect backdrop for a night of luxury and laughter.

Your evening begins with handcrafted cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a multi-course gourmet dinner expertly paired with fine wines. Every detail—from the menu to the ambiance—has been thoughtfully designed by your hosts to create an atmosphere of warmth, sophistication, and celebration.

This exquisite experience can be reserved for a mutually agreeable date in August 2025 or August 2026. Gather your closest friends and prepare to indulge—this is coastal entertaining at its finest.

Allen and Benner Islands - Curated Expedition of Wyeth Historic Site
Hosted by Bigelow Laboratory, Colby College, the Farnsworth Museum, and the Willard Family

Gather eight friends and journey to the magical private islands of Allen and Benner, once owned by the artist Andrew Wyeth and his wife, Betsy. This rare opportunity is a collaborative effort between Bigelow Labs, Colby College and The Farnsworth Museum.

Your adventure begins in Boothbay Harbor when you step onboard “Sula” a 48’ Sabre Salon Express cruiser captained by Jodie and Bruce Willard. Get out our binoculars as you cruise by Eastern Egg Rock to see Maine’s beloved puffin colony. Once you arrive at the islands a Farnsworth Museum curator will guide you through restored and historic structures that Betsy has rebuilt. Enjoy a special lunch with breathtaking views of ocean and land. There will be time to explore the island’s trails and gardens.

Available at a mutually agreed upon time in either 2025 or 2026.

Private Dinner for 16 at Glidden Point - A Classic Down East Oyster Farm
Hosted by Glidden Point Oyster Farm and Chef John Merry

Delight your tastebuds with 16 of your crew for an evening along the Damariscotta River. Cocktail hour on the dock will feature Glidden Point’s world-renowned oysters. Additional delicious hors d’oeuvres, served family style from a wood fired oven, will be followed by a full private dinner catered by Chef John Merry. This all inclusive, quintessential Maine dinner will immerse you and your guests in sustainable aquaculture and exquisite cuisine. Available at a mutually agreed upon time in Summer 2026.

Private Fly Fishing Adventure
Hosted by Double Haulin Fly & Light Tackle Fishing Charters and Bigelow Laboratory

Hop aboard Captain Nick Prawer’s Latitude 25-foot center console for a 4-6 hour fly and/or light tackle fishing charter. Head out to sea with a Bigelow scientist and up to three additional anglers for a fishing trip to remember. Double Haulin Fly & Light Tackle is based out of Southport, Maine, a great jumping off point for accessing all of the tidal waters of the Midcoast. Captain Nick customizes each trip to your skills and preferences as well as the current fishing conditions. Refreshments will be provided from the Southport General Store.

French Alp Chalet Vacation in Les Contamines-Montjoie, France

a long shot of the alps with mountains in the background

Gather family or friends for a week-long stay in the French Alps. Your home base will be a classic chalet in Les Contamines-Montjoie nestled alongside Mt. Blanc. Conveniently located one hour from Geneva and half an hour to both Chamonix and Megeve. Winter or summer, the true French experience awaits.

Winter offers above tree line skiing with full views of Mt. Blanc only minutes from your chalet. Also enjoy dogsledding, ice climbing, skating, ski touring or cross country skiing at France’s triathlon training ski center. Hop off the slopes and relax in the chalet's romantic jacuzzi located in an attached barn.

The summertime experience offers limitless trails surrounded by wildflowers, grazing cows and mountain scenery. There is direct access to hiking on the Tour du Mt. Blanc right from your doorstep. Stroll into a charming French town with cafes, restaurants, and specialty shops.

Your chalet has 7 bedrooms (3 with double beds, 4 with two twins) and all except one have private bathrooms. There is a large dining room and great room with a center fireplace. Enjoy relaxing on front and back decks both with mountain views. There is a bar, game table and pool table for evening fun. And of course, French food and atmosphere welcome you. Available at a mutually agreed upon week in 2025 or 2026.-->