South Carolina Aquarium 2018 Annual Report

A COMMUNITY CONNECTED S OUT H C ARO LI NA AQ UAR IU M 2 018 AN NUAL R EPO RT

“Individually, we are one drop.

Together, we are an ocean.”

¯ –Ryunosuke Akutagawa

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Establishing a Distance Learning Program was a key proposition of our five-year Watershed Campaign and generous patrons answered the call. In addition to the class in Colorado, we’ve now served schoolchildren in a majority of the United States and in countries on five different continents.

S E N I OR LE ADE RSHI P Kevin Mills President and Chief Executive Officer Jack Higgins Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Our leadership has developed in multiple ways, across generations and geographies.

Juan-Pablo Mancia Chief Financial Officer Courtenay Lewandowski Senior Director, Strategy and Advancement Brian Brasher Director of Capital Projects and Facilities Albert George Director of Conservation Rachel Kalisperis Director of Husbandry Kevin Kampwerth Director of Aquarium Experience Lauren McDaniel Director of Guest Services Karen Monahan Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications Paul Nuñez Director of Human Resources Brian Thill Director of Education

As educator Beth Demas described the diet of a sand tiger shark swimming behind her in the Great Ocean Tank, a roomful of third graders, nearly 1,700 miles away in Colorado, was spellbound.

Even through the filter of her tablet connection, Beth could discern the students’ excitement. By the time the 45-minute distance learning class wrapped up, the children were hooked.

Could they visit the Aquarium again?

It didn’t take long for Joni Williams, their teacher, to reach back out to the Aquarium and schedule not one, but two, additional virtual field trips – one focused on river otters, and the other on our Sea Turtle Care Center™. Then, still thirsty to learn more, Joni herself visited the Aquarium over the summer, bringing even more stories back to share with her students.

I can’t imagine a better illustration of the Aquarium’s vision coming to life – exemplifying our desire to lead the way in connecting people with water, wildlife and wild places.

Adult learners have been exposed to global thinkers like Sylvia Earle and Richard Louv, thanks to our Holland Lifelong Learning series. Coastal communities have given voice to their concerns about plastic pollution and rising sea levels, participating in organized town halls and engaging in citizen science.

At the Aquarium itself, our diversified offerings now include Kids Coast, a highly interactive play zone for early learners; the Respond Gallery, which depicts the impacts of plastic pollution in our daily lives; customized learning tools for guests with different abilities and needs; and, of course, Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery™, which continues to define the intersection between animal care, education and guest enrichment.

These achievements were made possible because of your generosity. We are proud to count you among our many supporters.

Thank you!

Kevin Mills President and CEO

This year was also a time for planning and reflection. The Watershed Campaign revealed that we could do precisely what we set out to do, and the bold question we posed this year was: What’s next?

In the world of aquariums, and cultural institutions more broadly, we frequently celebrate the power of moments – moments that give life to discovery, inspiration and transformation – that recast students as researchers, conservationists and leaders. 2018 was a year filled with moments that revealed who we, as the South Carolina Aquarium, have become – and, more importantly, who we can be.

As the Watershed Campaign approaches its conclusion, our aquarium has shattered expectations and defied projections. We have served more students than ever before, both locally and globally; we have engaged adult audiences in numbers never before seen by our institution and our conservation voice has activated communities across our state to protect and defend the natural resources that sustain them. The Watershed legacy will stand as a moment in which our team, and our community, realized what is truly possible when we combine voices and resources, and boldly dare to change our world.

B OARD O F D I R EC TO R S Chairman Jonathan M. Zucker

With the guidance and collaboration of more than 100 experts from across disciplines, the Aquarium leadership team shaped and finalized a new five-year strategic plan that will take our institution to the next level, building on the success of the Watershed Campaign. As never before, the South Carolina Aquarium will draw people to the water’s edge, and encourage them to connect to the world beyond it.

Vice Chairmen Pete Sniderman Dixon Woodward

The full Landmark plan will be made available to our community of supporters in the months ahead, and we look forward to your active engagement.

Vice Secretary Jim Twining

I am honored to count you as a partner in the unprecedented success of the Watershed Campaign, and as a member of our ambitious community – our family – as we forge forward to a new, exciting era.

Thank you for continuing your journey with us.

Sincerely,

Jonathan M. Zucker Chairman of the Board of Directors

Treasurer J. Donald Higgins Director Emeritus Secretary Catherine Smith

Members Elizabeth Colbert-Busch Larry Colshan Peter Conway John Danahy Director Emeritus Deirdre Fortson Clark Gillespy Frederick “Fritz” Gitter, M.D. W. Andrew Gowder, Jr. Steve Gray Dwayne Green Jim Hansen John A. Hill Mason Holland Valerie Howell David Johnston Satch Krantz Brenda Lauderback Gary McLaurin Jay Millen John Neely Richard Roth Missy Sauls

Scott Snider Peter Stonefield James “Jeddie” H. Suddeth III Emily Swanson George P. Watt, Jr. Pam Wilson Tom Wright Stephanie Yarbrough Chairmen Emeriti James L. Ferguson* Kenneth “Ken” Seeger Hilton C. Smith, Jr. M. William Youngblood, Esq. Jerry Zucker* Directors Emeriti Pat Conroy* John Danahy William A. Finn Bruce Hecker J. Donald Higgins Sheila Hodges Peatsy Hollings* Kate Jerome Robert R. Macdonald Layton McCurdy, M.D. The Honorable Robert E. McNair* Mary Alice Monroe The Honorable Richard W. Riley Victor Samra, Jr.* Theodore Stern* * deceased

A community connected . . .

to water

Education Our Distance Learning Program has become an invaluable teaching opportunity for classrooms around the world, eliminating barriers to participation in field trips and hands-on learning due to financial concerns, lack of transportation resources and proximity to our facility. During the 2017-2018 school year, we hosted 83 programs, reaching more than 14,000 students in the United States and countries abroad, including Canada, Norway, Argentina, Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand.

The Holland Lifelong Learning adult education series continued into its fourth season. Throughout the year, we engaged more than 900 participants in critical conversations related to conservation and research. Topics this year included life on local reefs, manatee migrations, marine mammal paleontology, animal mating, vultures and deep-sea exploration.

We were thrilled to welcome ocean conservationist Fabien Cousteau to keynote this season’s finale, where we shined a light on the deepest, darkest parts of our oceans.

The Rovers Outreach Education Program has continued to bring science to life for students throughout South Carolina. By pairing live animals and natural resources with our grade-specific, state standards-aligned curriculum, our educators supported formal learning in the classroom and reinforced key STEM themes and concepts. This year, Rovers reached 9,584 students across the state who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to visit the Aquarium or explore their surrounding natural resources.

DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM

HOLLAND LIFELONG LEARNING

ROVERS OUTREACH EDUCATION PROGRAM

...

to wildlife

Sea Turtle Care Center™ Generous donor investments throughout the year enabled us to secure critical pieces of capital equipment for our Sea Turtle Care Center. Our fluid pump, ultrasound and sea turtle carrier have expanded our veterinary capabilities to more efficiently treat various ailments and transport large turtles. As the only facility in South Carolina licensed to rehabilitate sea turtles, it is crucial for us to maintain state-of-the-art medical equipment that elevates our ability to properly care for these endangered species.

Throughout 2018, our Sea Turtle Care Center released 20 sea turtles back into the ocean.

These rescued sea turtles came to us with a variety of conditions, including ailments directly related to human activities such as plastic ingestion, crab trap entanglement and boat strikes. Rehabilitated turtles are released in hopes that they will become important reproductive members of their species and integral components of their marine ecosystems.

Tonks was one of the 39 sea turtle patients admitted to our Sea Turtle Care Center in 2018. Tonks was found after being pulled through a hopper dredge, when the rapid change in pressure caused her to develop decompression sickness and left abrasions and contusions along her body. After she arrived, Care Center staff made Tonks a pressurized chamber to relieve the gas emboli throughout her kidneys and gave her antibiotics to treat her wounds. After six months of close monitoring, Tonks passed her screenings and was released into the ocean at Isle of Palms County Park.

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT

SEA TURTLE RELEASE

TONKS

A community connected . . .

to wild places

Conservation We collaborated with multiple local partners and organizations to advocate for bans on singleuse plastic. Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Mount Pleasant and the City of Charleston all passed bans on items ranging from plastic bags and straws to Styrofoam containers. We applaud these local efforts to reduce the amount of plastic entering our oceans and threatening aquatic life.

We recently launched our Conservation Assistant Program, activating nine volunteers around the state to organize, track and report on local litter sweeps and other conservation initiatives. The Conservation Assistants also facilitated impressive user growth of the Litter-free Digital Journal, a project in the Aquarium’s Citizen Science app. By the end of 2018, these volunteers grew the number of Litter-free Digital Journal users by 30% and doubled the total litter observations entered.

In spring 2018, we expanded beyond our walls to launch Reef Research in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

After hiring a dedicated research and maintenance diver, the Aquarium commenced the pilot project of Reef Research at newly designated marine protected areas (MPAs). These MPAs contain artificial reefs — the first of their kind in the nation. For Reef Research’s pilot project, we studied the effects of removing invasive lionfish to determine changes to the abundance and diversity of other native species.

BANS ON SINGLE-USE PLASTIC

CONSERVATION ASSISTANT PROGRAM

REEF RESEARCH

...

to each other

Guest Experience The Respond Gallery, an extension of Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery™, opened in April, thanks to our ongoing partnership with Ingevity.

This exhibit is the on-floor component of the “In Our Hands” campaign aimed at curbing use of single-use plastic. The Respond Gallery comprises interactive digital elements, original art and a collection of plastic removed from sea turtles to inform guests about the harmful effects of singleuse plastic, while offering alternatives for daily use.

Kids Coast was completed in November. This interactive exhibit, made possible by the PNC Foundation, teaches preschoolers about water filtration through hands-on learning and guided discovery. Children and adults alike can press a series of buttons that trigger air pressure to move water through clear tubes, simulating the water attainment and filtration process. We are proud to serve tens of thousands of preschoolers each year, setting the stage for successful STEM learning.

In December, we became the first sensory-inclusive institution in South Carolina certified by KultureCity, an organization dedicated to creating inclusion and acceptance for all individuals with unique abilities.

Our staff underwent comprehensive training to ensure guests with sensory needs, such as PTSD, autism, dementia and strokes, feel welcome at the Aquarium. Additionally, we now provide KultureCity Sensory Bags that contain noise-cancelling earmuffs, fidget toys, Aquarium maps and more.

RESPOND GALLERY

KIDS COAST

SENSORY INCLUSION

We are incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished through the Watershed Campaign. In 2018, our education team reached international audiences through the expansion of our Distance Learning Program, our conservation team brought communities together to advocate for meaningful environmental change and our extraordinary animal care team helped 20 sea turtles complete their journey home through the Sea Turtle Care Center™.

A community connected . . .

The Aquarium’s unprecedented success through the Watershed Campaign has been made possible by the generous support of donors, like you. Thanks to your contributions, we have secured more than $23 million of our $25 million goal by 2020, and we have accomplished all we set out to do.

$100,000-249,999 DONORS City of Charleston The Tom and Lynn McNally Family Susan and John Neely Pam and Michael Wilson Hiroko Yanagida and Frederick Baker

We would like to thank the following donors who contributed philanthropic gifts to the Aquarium from January 1 – December 31, 2018 $250,000+ DONORS Mary and Peter Conway Ingevity The State of South Carolina

$50,000-99,999 DONORS Duke Energy Foundation The Samuel Freeman Charitable Trust Kirk and Tara King Family Foundation The Oliver S. and Jennie R. Donaldson Charitable Trust SCE&G

You have boldly dreamed with us to make our Watershed vision possible. With our deepest appreciation, thank you.

Kim Graham Photography

$25,000-49,999 DONORS The Boeing Company Rachel and Tim Brennan Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated Domtar Paper Company, LLC Gail A. Gilbert Pathfinder Foundation, Inc. Emily and Steve Swanson Linda and James Thompson Mrs. Anita Zucker and Family Jonathan Zucker

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$10,000-24,999 DONORS Anonymous Aardvark Straws Caldwell Partners The Ceres Foundation Charleston County Government The Citadel Mary Ann and John Danahy Prudence and Bill Finn The Fortson Family Rikke and Clark Gillespy Marilynn and John Hill Marilynn and John Hill Foundation Mary and Mason Holland The Harry and Reba Huge Foundation The InterTech Group, Inc. City of Isle of Palms Isle of Palms - Sullivan’s Island Turtle Team Medical University of South Carolina Ginger and Jay Millen

Mary Alice Monroe and Markus J.P. Kruesi, M.D. National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Neely Family Foundation Bob Newhouse Fran and Dennis Nolan Melissa Garrison Sauls Joseph J. Schott Foundation Catherine and Hilton Smith, Jr. South Carolina Federal Credit Union Springs Close Foundation, Inc. TD Charitable Foundation United Community Bank Volvo Cars of North America, LLC VWR Charitable Foundation Kathleen and Tom Wright $5,000-9,999 DONORS Anonymous Rachel and Jeremy Anspach AstenJohnson, Inc. AT&T The Baden Family Mary Black Foundation Kris and Jeff Cassens Colbert Family Fund of the Coastal Community Foundation of SC Crews Subaru of Charleston Crown Media Holdings, Inc. Event Network Terry Ann Graham Clifton D. Green, Jr. Peg and Don Higgins Monica A. Jacoby Christopher Kauker, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Karen and Denny Larabee Magic Memories, LLC Misty Jo and Ike Neilson Publix Super Markets Charities Alicia and Charles Reitman, M.D. Santee Cooper Sea Turtle Getaways, Inc. Jordana and Scott Snider Jane Smith Turner Foundation TIGHITCO, Inc. Trident United Way University of South Carolina Whiting-Turner The Wood Foundation $2,500-4,999 DONORS Anderson/Brutzer/Hunter Family Bastian & Associates, LLC The Boeing Company – Gifts Matching Office Sharon and Nigel Bowers The Bowers Family Fund Ann and Richard Burton, D.D.S.

to what is possible Joseph J. Calandra II, M.D. Jennifer A. Chalsty Charleston Day School CNT Foundations, LLC Robin and William Downe Judith Fainsan-Helper Elizabeth and Russell Frees Paul and Oscar Giger Foundation, Inc. The Gildea Foundation Girl Scouts, Hornets’ Nest Council Diane Goff Henry J. Lee Distributors Valerie and Scott Howell Dorothy and George Ingram The JALS Family Foundation Patricia and William Jetton Denise and Michael John June and Mariano La Via Judy and Stephen Milito Naked Turtle White Rum Newland Communities Nexsen Pruet, LLC Palmetto Gunite Construction Company Suzy Pfeifer and Kevin Mills Joan Coulter Pittman Fund of Coastal Community Foundation Leslie and Steve Sadler Alexandra S. Samra Mitchell L. Sherman The Snider Foundation Solon-Andreas Foundation South Carolina Ports Authority Community Giving Jessica and James Suddeth III Diane and Mark Terrero Karen and David Van Buren Lisa Vear and Brooks Bezamat Elizabeth R. Zahrn $1,500-2,499 DONORS Laura and Michael Baur Melinda and Derek Beres BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina The Douglas and Tonyia Bolton Family Foundation Jessica L. Brewer and Don Tayor Julie and Stephen Byrne Charleston Heating + Air Sheila and Stuart Christie Katy W. Chung and Peter B. Key, Ph.D. Elizabeth Colbert-Busch and Claus W. Busch II Lynn and John Cunningham Chrissy and Cory Deforrest Jean and John Denning Jay P. Dowd III, Ph.D. Edisto Beach Loggerhead Turtle Project

Dorothy and Scott Farfone Nan and Daniel Fisher Amy and Joey Foxhall Emily and Brian Giarrocco Alyssa and M. Fritz Gitter, M.D. The Glasspro-Heinauer Family Fund Louise Gore and Robert Mansfield Mary and Steven Gray Half-Moon Outfitters Joan and Ted Halkyard Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd Sarah and Joshua Hays HDR, Inc. Patricia G. Hecker, Hecker Family Charitable Foundation of the St. Louis Community Foundation Patter and David Johnston Peggy and Walter Jones III Kinder Morgan Foundation KNI, Inc. Becky and Satch Krantz Rachel and James Landis Allison and Edward Lang III Brenda J. Lauderback and Boyd A. Wright, D.D.S. Patricia and Edward Legasey Majorie and Raymond Leonard Lumina Foundation for Education, Inc. M. Dumas and Sons The Robert W. Mansfield Fund Beth and Tom McCarty Jen and Josh McConnell Laurie B. McCollum and Carl W. Warschausky Dawn and Jim McDonald MCJ Family Charitable Lead Trust Tracey and Keith McLoughlin Janet and Ronald Mendola Karen J. Monahan Nancy and David Morrow Megan and Clayton Mozingo Margalit and Gary Neiman, Ph.D. Julie and Paul Nocida Oxford Fund Inc. Camille Miller Pedraza Carol Powers and Mayor James E. Carroll, Jr. Quoizel Sandra and Jay Rutherford Peggy Schachte and Hal Currey Ike and Betsy Smith Wilbur S. Smith and Stephanie E. Smith- Phillips Foundation Paula and Buck Stackhouse The Stonefield Family Amanda Sumner John E. Swink, Jr. Barbara and Jim Twining

Peggy and George Watt Wild Dunes Resort Evie, Amelia, Charity and Kevin Williams, M.D. Penny Williams and Kevin J. Dygert Corbin and Rob Wimberly Gloria and Jerry Zeller $1,000-1,499 DONORS Mary and Dave Allen Betty and Brady Anderson Annie L. Andrews, M.D. and Charlie M. Andrews Ashley Hall Nancy and Howell Beach Jim Bemowski Bowman Consulting Betsy and William Brabson Judith B. Bradshaw Georgia and Casey Brogdon Nancy and Dennis Cawley Joseph G. Christman Ann F. Copeland The Ann F. and John W. Copeland Charitable Foundation, Inc. Stephanie and Jeff Culligan Stephen L. Davis Julia and Craig Eddy Anna and Colin Ewing The Lundy Fetterman Family Foundation Trust Christina and Scott Garcia Patricia and William Greubel Amy and William Harley Brucie and Low Harry, Jr. Nancy and Tommy Hendricks Hendrix Charitable Foundation Colleen and Lee Roy Hess Fred E. Hill, M.D. Sheila and Jim Hodges L. A. Holmes Cathy Holster and John K. Luedeman, Ph.D. Tamara Ensio Johnson and Bradley Johnson Bettie and Jim Keyes Julianne and George Khoury, M.D. Mary Catherine and Michael Kirk Kelly and Ryan Krischer Courtenay B. Lewandowski and Norbert Lewandowski Lilly Pulitzer Teresa M. Luhrs, M.D. and John Camp Elisabeth and Spencer Lynch Madyl Fund Diana and Wade Manaker, M.D. Cathy M. Marino Paula and Fred McLean Kathleen and Robert Montgomery

Katherine Moore and Thomas V. Ognibene Susan J. Morrison Peter Nicholas Deanna and Steven Parker Pawleys Island Brewing Company, LLC Kathryn and Russell Pickett Stephen K. Polston Terri and Mark Presper Cara and Kevin Richard Ashley and Chip Rini Diane E. Rowan and William W. King Royall Hardware, Inc. Sue and John Scofield Elaine and William Simpson, Jr., M.D. Lauren and Stephen Slingerland Shara and Richard Star Monte Stenger Strawesome, LLC Lorraine and Robert Tilney III, M.D. Sherry and James Tucker USI Insurance Services, LLC John Winthrop Charitable Trust Laura and Ed Woodcock Andrea and Scott Woodfield Erica and Dixon Woodward Shelley and Kenneth Zucker, D.D.S. $500-999 DONORS Anonymous Gloria Schraibman Adelson John and Cindy Allred, Zach Fennessy Beverly J. Baird Kris and Mac Barnhardt The Benevity Community Impact Fund Benevity Fund Elizabeth and Kenneth Berlinsky Thomas and Cheryl Boswell Thomas and Cheryl Boswell Charitable Fund Eleanor and Benjamin Boylston Boylston Family Fund Victoria and Robert Breault Jane and John Brooks Brooks Family Foundation John H. Brown, Jr., M.D. Karen and Louis Burnett Teresa and Dan Butts Victoria and Gerard Cameron The Campbell’s Family Foundation Laurie and Lonnie Carter Nancy and Gerald Chambers, M.D. Joshua A. Chambers Denise and John Ciccarelli, Jr. The City Marina Company Enid and Dennis Clark Helen and Robert Clawson, Jr. Lia and Greg Colabello Leigh and Duffy Connolly, Jr.

Jill and John Cox Erble and William Creasman, M.D. Suzi and Ray Curler Mary and David Dacquino Angelia Demeistre-Hammer and Viktor A. Hammer Sara and Ben DeWolf Christine Deviney and Jay Glenn Sam, Jennifer and David DiBenedetto Carol and Edward Dinan Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation Gina and Chris Doyle Sara and Denis Dwyer II Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, Inc. Elliott Davis Peggy Ellis and Peter J. Van Every Jamie Estes Eventbright, Inc. Janet Brownstein Finkel and Jerry M. Finkel Flex-Able Movement The Flying Colors Foundation Heather and Gary Flynn Cheryl and Thomas Foote Anne F. Forrest Ivy and David French, M.D. Robert L. Garrison Teresa Gast Catherine and James Gidcumb Jean and David Ginn Henry Givens Samantha and Jason Goldberg Cathy and Harry Gregorie Frances D. Griffiths Joan and Perry Halushka, M.D., Ph.D. Audrey and Wallace Head Dawn and Ed Heavey Lucille and Robin Hefka Casey and Sunshine Herbert Raymond D. Houlihan Fund Shayna and Travis Howell Molly Hulett and Derek Drockelman Janet M. Iannantuono Kelly and Robert Irvine III Susan and Quentin Jackson Marsha B. Jenkins William D. Jones, Jr. Peggy and David Jump The Kennedy-Herterich Foundation L3 Technologies Charity Trust Marlana and Michael Laubinger Diane D. Lauritsen, Ph.D. Cynthia and Jeff Legette Marybeth and James Lintzenich Jennifer Lisiak Lisa and Shawn Livingston Nicole and Michael Lorber Jane and Rayner Lotton

Alicia and D. Gary Lovell, Jr. LS3P Associates, Ltd. Catherine and Robert Macdonald Manorhouse Builders of South Carolina Leigh Marlowe Jessica and S. Jeff Martin Susan H. Marus and Newman J. Smith Gwen and R. Layton McCurdy, M.D. Joseph T. McNamara Marlo and Thomas Meredith Julia and Daniel Mooney Lawrence H. Moser Matthew Nelson The Netter Foundation, Inc. Network for Good Glenn Niere William E. Notz, M.D. Caroline and Paul Nuñez Mayor Patrick M. O’Neil, Ph.D. Lyric P. Ogden Brenda and James Orcutt, M.D. Laura M. Palermo Jill and Matthew Patrick, D.V.M. Alyssa and Robert Phillips Piper Jaffray Companies Aubrey, Mandy and Torrance Powell Courtney Purviance Langdon B. Raymond Chris and Traci Richard Charles, Rachel and Rebecca Rittenberg The John M. Rivers, Jr. Foundation, Inc. Vicki and Neil Robinson, Jr. Maggie and Moraud Roudsari Martin and Barbara Rudolph Rogan and Dunne Saal Lisa and Michael Schools Scott Shanklin-Peterson and Terry K. Peterson Meredith McPartland Shuler and Thad Shuler Leslie and Hunter Smith Julie and Eric Snow Susan and Theodore Soderlund Brittany J. St. Sauveur Brenda and Robert Stasiukaitis Sunny and Samuel Steinberg Danielle and Hunter Stunzi Summerville Elementary School of Dorchester (District 2) Tucker Summerville Deborah M. Syrett and Benjamin Fine Judy and Larry Tarleton Kay and Gregg Tate Taylor Agency Eloise and Eric Thome Cherie and Randall Tindell Alene and David Wilkins The Windjammer Carrington S. Wingard Adam D. Witty Amie K. Yam-Babinchak and Jonathan A. Babinchak Yonder Buds Carole and Marc J. Zaloumis Michael Zani

$250-499 DONORS Angela Adams Tannis and Richard Alkire Cindy I. Allestad-Lyle and John A. Lyle Christine S. Almeida Susan and Charles Altman AmazonSmile Foundation Cindy and Trey Anderson Susan Anfin and Jim Doyle Debbie Archimbaud Ann G. Ash Rebecca and John Atkinson Maria and Nathan Averill, M.D. Bambi and Bruce Bailey Allison and Durrell Barry Debra J. Battjes-Siler and Scott A. Siler Barbara Baumann and Mike Conrad John, Lisa and Carmela Befumo Virginia and Richard Bell Amy and Roger Berman Katelyn Bernius Blackwater, LLC Christina Blasinsky Kathryn and Michael Boccaccio Riley Boehme Nicole Bohm and Ron Neyens Mr. and Mrs. J. Sidney Boone, Jr. Breakthru Beverage South Carolina Bright Start Ashley Britell, M.D. and Patrick Britell, M.D. Cynthia T. Brock Janice and Leonard Brooks Austin R. Brown Earnest and Cora Brown Lauren and David Burns Megan Bussell Christy and Henry Cabaniss Oya N. Celikbilek and David Mahvi Roux Chautin Deborah B. Clark Angela and Philip Clarke Elisha and E. Benjamin Clyburn, M.D. Kimberly and David Coleman Jessica L. Cooper Cecile and Samuel Cothran, Jr. Teresa K. Couchenour Lindsey and Matthew Cowen Emily and Dennis Coyle Suzanne Curran, M.D. and Darcy J. Curran Patti and Carl Czarnik Meredith and Peter Dieppe IV Judith and Joseph Doyle Laura and Thomas Dozier, M.D. Easter Seals of South Carolina Ann and Michael Ebert, Jr. Carolyn and Charles Eiserhardt Kimberly and Ernest Ellison III Dagmar Schmidt Etkin, Ph.D. Marsha and Michael Evans Allison and Conan Felix Jan and Glenn Fincher Jennifer and David Firestone Sydney and Mitchell Fischbein Sue Fisher Kirsten and Grant Fitch Cynthia Flynn, Ph.D. and Guy T. Jones Martha and Frank Forrester

Karen and James Fowler, Jr. Sharon and Arnie Frankel Jadie and Charlie Gamble Kathy and Nickie George Renee and Edward Gibson Norma and David Goldsmith Veronica and Peter Goodrich Sarah and Steven Goodwin Agnes M. Heisley Dawn and Todd Heldreth, D.V.M. Michelle and Horace Helms J. Mac Holladay Cheryl Hooker Catherine Hornfeldt Beth Horowitz April and Rodney Howard Sandra Howe and Peter Ruffin Lee and Douglas Hurd Frank M. Jaehnert Mary and Patrick Jansen Anne Jenkins Cathy and Joseph Jenrette II, M.D. Jollie and Wesner Families Ann and Paul Johnson Ingrid Johnson and Gary Bunton Jean and Tap Johnson Johnson and Johnson Jessie and Bill Keenan Alicia Kennedy The Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy, Inc. Annette L. Kibler Lavinia Klietmann and Helen Stacziwa Tiffany Knight and Leea Perkins Pamela and Charles Koci Wendy and Tom Kulick Margaret G. Leveen Rachel and Joel Levine Madelene Lewis, M.D. and Daniel Lewis, M.D. Tine and William Livesay, Jr., D.O. Stephanie A. Machacek Kristen Mahfet Alison and David Malzahn Oliver H. Mathewes Lydia and Bill Matthews Edie and David May Kate and John McAnnar Diane and Donald McCormack Sheridan McGlothlin Kathy and James McKee Christiane E. McNeal, M.D. William A. McNickle Mermaid of Hilton Head Mindy Messina and Warren Yeager C. Louis Meyer Family Foundation Elizabeth Miller Ellen and Michael Mintz Machelle Morningstar Jennifer and Col. Brian Musselman Susan and Joseph Myers II Lani and Tom Myron Tempestt Newton Bert Notini Julie and Stephen O’Connor Illene and Lawrence Olanoff, M.D., Ph.D. Cathy Olivieri-Moss and John Moss

Mickaele Labroche Murphy and Sean Murphy Natalie C. Olson Jason Ortiz Julie and Robert Paczynski Cullan and Randall Pagenkopf, D.M.D. Chris Palenchar Christine Papadea, Ph.D. Mary and Tom Parrington Caroline and Kevin Pennington Richard Perkey Sarah and Matthew Perrill Lindsay and Stephen Phipps Mary and Howard Phipps, Jr. Sherry and Richard Pierce Torrall and P.A. Pournelle II Melanie Pozez and Jay Blumberg Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona Amanda B. Price, M.D. and Kevin C. Price, M.D. Mary and Ralph Principe, M.D. Tara and Carl Queener Lacie and C. J. Rinehart Ann and H. N. Ritter III Anne and Kenneth Robichaux Holly and Robert Rodelsperger Marcelle and Nick Ross Drayton and Robert Rutherford Kristi and Rich Ryan Karen and Dean Schmelter Margaret and Eric Selle Valerie Sessions, Ph.D. and Paul Hooker Shahid Law Office, LLC Carol and Arnold Shilepsky Barbara and John Sirianni Hilton C. Smith III Marilyn and Stephen Sniderman Lia Spina and Michael Gaslin Laurie Sprietsma Margaret and James Stands, D.O. Stacey and Andrew Stec, M.D. Chris M. Steuck Scott and Kristi Stokley Virginia and Ben Street Carolina Stucken Swim the Good Swim Jane and Allyn Taylor Jane and Louis Theiling, Jr. Karen and Ted Thompson Nicole and Gary Tiller Karen and Dave Toorks Mary Diane Troy Barbara and Neil Ulrich Sally and Thorne Vail, Jr. Martin van Cleeff, M.D. Sherrill and Robert Van Orsdel Shirley and Thomas Vierthaler Ellen and Neal Walsh Deborah and David Watson Martha Welsh, Ph.D. and Gordon Dehler, Ph.D. Cameron and Thomas White Heather and Martin White Naideen and Killough White II Gloria and James Wiener Deborah R. Williamson and David R. Garr

Sylvia H. Wilson and Joseph W. Rohrbacher Joan and David Winston Veronica and Donald Wolfswinkel Jean and James Wolitarsky Kim and Brett Young NAUTILUS SOCIETY Members of the Nautilus Society have pledged their support to the James L. Ferguson Permanent Endowment, ensuring the South Carolina Aquarium will be a source of magic and wonder for generations. We are thankful to these individuals who have included the Aquarium in their estate plans.

Jim* and Esther Ferguson Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Gettelfinger Richard* and Karen Sherwood Tom Tate and Lori Fox WATERSHED SOCIETY Anonymous Mary and Dave Allen Claire and James Allen, M.D. Regina L. Anderson and Christian Brutzer Elizabeth Andreas and Angela Chambers Annie L. Andrews, M.D. and Charlie M. Andrews Rachel and Jeremy Anspach Ann G. Ash Kimberly and John Baden IV Cacky and Tradd Bastian Laura and Michael Baur Esther S. Beckmann, Ph.D. and David C. Beckmann Yuli and Travis Bedson Melinda and Derek Beres Tonyia and Doug Bolton Sharon and Nigel Bowers Suzan D. Boyd, Ph.D. and M. Edward Sellers Rachel and Tim Brennan Jessica L. Brewer and Don Taylor Ashley Britell, M.D. and Patrick Britell, M.D. Shirley and Gregory Brown Eve and Wilbur Burbage II Karen Burnett, Ph.D. and Louis Burnett, Jr., Ph.D. Ann and Richard Burton, D.D.S. Julie and Stephen Byrne Joseph J. Calandra II, M.D. Laurie and Lonnie Carter Kris and Jeff Cassens Nancy and Dennis Cawley Billings and John Cay III Jennifer A. Chalsty Jill and John Chalsty Sheila and Stuart Christie Katy W. Chung and Peter B. Key, Ph.D. Elizabeth Colbert-Busch and Claus W. Busch II Pebby and Donald Combee, Jr. Mary and Peter Conway Lynn and John Cunningham Jill and Bryan Curb

Mary Ann and John Danahy Carolyn Day Chrissy and Cory Deforrest Jean and John Denning Ceara Donnelley and Nathan P. Berry Jenny and Matt Dorsey Robin and William Downe Carol J. Drowota, Ph.D. Anna and Colin Ewing Judith Fainsan-Helper Dorothy and Scott Farfone Paula R. Feldman, Ph.D. and Peter R. Mugglestone Mrs. Esther Ferguson Prudence and Bill Finn Nan and Daniel Fisher Katarina Fjording Heather and Gary Flynn Dee and John Fortson Amy and Joey Foxhall Kevin Frank Elizabeth and Russell Frees Ken French Kathy and Duncan Gage Stephen L. Gavel Lynne and Dennis Gettelfinger, M.D. Emily and Brian Giarrocco Gail A. Gilbert Emily and Trevor Gildea Rikke and Clark Gillespy Alyssa and M. Fritz Gitter, M.D. Henry Givens Diane Goff Louise and Robert Gore Melinda and W. Andy Gowder, Jr. Terry Ann Graham Mary and Steven Gray Clif Green Susan Habermeier David F. Haddow Joan and Edwin Halkyard Sarah and Joshua Hays Nedra and Bruce Hecker Paula and Paul Heinauer William B. Hewitt Peg and Don Higgins Fred E. Hill, M.D. Marilynn and John Hill Sheila and Jim Hodges Mary and Mason Holland Henry L. Holliday II Valerie and Scott Howell Reba and Harry Huge Dorothy and George Ingram Monica A. Jacoby Kate A. Jerome Patricia and William Jetton Denise and Michael John Patter and David Johnston Peggy and Walter Jones III Karen and Matt Kaplan Jill and Christopher Kauker Bettie and Jim Keyes Tara and Kirk King Becky and Satch Krantz Kelly and Ryan Krischer June and Mariano La Via

Rachel and James Landis Allison and Edward Lang III Karen and Denny Larabee Brenda J. Lauderback and Boyd A. Wright, D.D.S. Patricia and Edward Legasey Angeline and David Leonard Majorie and Raymond Leonard Marybeth and James Lintzenich Teresa M. Luhrs, M.D. and John Camp Cartter and George Lupton Catherine and Robert Macdonald Deborah and Robert MacPherson, Jr. Cheryl Wood Erika and Steve McAllister Beth and Tom McCarty Laurie B. McCollum and Carl W. Warschausky Jen and Josh McConnell Dawn and Jim McDonald Evelyn McGee and Stephen Colbert Tracey and Keith McLoughlin Lynn and Thomas McNally Janet and Ronald Mendola Judy and Stephen Milito Ginger and Jay Millen Janet and Tony Mills Karen J. Monahan Mary Alice Monroe and Markus J.P. Kruesi, M.D. Nancy and David Morrow Megan and Clayton Mozingo Susan and John Neely Misty Jo and Ike Neilson Margalit and Gary Neiman, Ph.D. Bob Newhouse Julie and Paul Nocida Fran and Dennis Nolan Christa and Jayson Norman Sara and Zac Painter Jill and Greg Parsons, M.D. Celeste H. Patrick, M.D. and Charles W. Patrick Amy and Bill Payne II Susan Pearlstine Camille Miller Pedraza Suzy Pfeifer and Kevin Mills Joan C. and Fred E. Pittman Aubrey, Mandy and Torrance Powell Carol Powers and Mayor James E. Carroll, Jr. Alicia and Charles Reitman, M.D. Artie and Lee Richards Elizabeth and Richard Roth Sandra and Jay Rutherford Colleen and Robert Ryan Leslie and Steve Sadler Danielle and Michael Saia Alexandra S. Samra Melissa Garrison Sauls Peggy Schachte and Hal Currey Karen and Dean Schmelter Linda and Del Schutte, Jr., M.D. Craig W. Sedmak Stephanie C. Sedmak Monica and Kenneth Seeger Scott Sharp Mitchell L. Sherman

Karen Sherwood Catherine and Hilton Smith, Jr. Ike and Betsy Smith Stephanie E. Smith-Phillips, M.D. and James H. Phillips, M.D. Jordana and Scott Snider Lydia and Peter Sniderman Karen and William L. Snow Nancy C. G. Snowden Millicent F. Softy Kelly and W. Michael Southgate Paula and Buck Stackhouse Anna and Peter Stonefield Jessica and James Suddeth III Tucker E. Summerville and Debbie S. Fackrell Amanda Sumner Emily and Steve Swanson John E. Swink, Jr. Tom Tate and Lori Fox Diane and Mark Terrero Linda and James Thompson Lorraine and Robert Tilney III, M.D. Barbara and Jim Twining Karen and David Van Buren Lisa Vear and Brooks Bezamat Peggy and George Watt Lesa and Claudius Watts IV Charity and Kevin Williams, M.D. Penny Williams and Kevin J. Dygert Pam and Michael Wilson Corbin and Rob Wimberly Kara and Ben Woodring Erica and Dixon Woodward Jennifer and Shane Woolf, M.D. Kathleen and Tom Wright Hiroko Yanagida and Frederick Baker Tomi and M. William Youngblood Beautsie R. Zahrn Gloria and Jerry Zeller Anita Zucker Jonathan Zucker GIFTS IN KIND 167 Raw Aardvark Straws Acme Lowcountry Kitchen Barrier Island Oyster Co. BeeCause Chick Fil-A Charleston Magazine Charleston Museum Coastal Provisions Cru Catering Diamonds Direct Duvall Events The Establishment EventHaus Rentals The Glass Onion Half-Moon Outfitters Ice Age Ice Sculptures Karson Photography Krispy Kreme Lilly Pulitzer M. Dumas & Sons Ms. Rose’s Fine Food and Cocktails OtherBrother Entertainment

Pawley’s Island Brewing Papa John’s Pizza Plants Alive Production Design Associates Savannah Bee Company Sesame Burgers and Beer Snyder Rentals & Spike Bar Service Swig & Swine Whole Foods Market The Windjammer HONOR GIFTS Alison’s birthday All those who promote peace, harmony, and goodwill Sophia and Gwen Atkinson Ella and Fred Bachman Judi Beahn Students at Belton Elementary School Sherri Bice and Renee Smith “Big Jim” Jeff Brown Jeff and Claudia Brown Pamela Brown Mrs. Kate Byrd Kaitlyn Chasman William L. Connellee Pierce Copenhaver Cassie McDowell Delis Jo Durham Education Department volunteers Neel and Brooks Erdman Kylie Fackrell Katherine Fairfull Lee J. Farrar Fishback Family Fran and Robert Drs. Robert and Deborah Branner Gaddy Meghan Galipeau and Charmaine Brockington Christian and Karoline Gillespy Jack, Cate, and Duncan Grant Ronda and Robert Greaves Helena Greer Spencer and Pollye Griffith Jan Grimsley Truman Halby Emma and Piper Hamrick Peter and Silas Hogg Serena Hunter Carol Jackson Don and Lois Jones Rachel Kalisperis Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol Lily Lyles Anna and Katherine Manchester Rochelle and Alan Marcus Ben Marino Danny and Tita Massie Bill and Nicole McCornack Peter McKinney and Roberta Price Grandma Jackie Metzger Mary Alice Monroe John and Susan Neely J.R. Oakes Alice and Frankie Pettit Terri Presper

Phil Schneider and S.C.U.T.E. Sea Turtle Peace 3000 Hilton Smith, Jr. Peter Sniderman Cameron Stonefield Kelly Thoralvson Corrie and David Topping Kameron Waters Mr. Charles S. and Mrs. Mary Ellen Way Susan Clingerman Wick Jackie Smith Wong Jonathan Zucker MEMORIAL GIFTS Silverio Almeida Jude Burnett Pru Collier Bill Connellee Anthony Foderaro Carol Funcell Sonia Jones Sarah Rhuemma Miller Melissa Wesner Norket Sheryl Ann Ruedebusch Addison Runge Catherine Rutolo Bernard Solomon Monika Marie Tart Charles S. Way III Susan Wick Drew W. Wynne Fred Zahrn VOLUNTEERS 5000+ HOURS: Susie Elliott Sherry Fox Jay Hubbell Donald Jones Lois Jones Hal Wynne 2500-4999 HOURS: Barbara Bergwerf Karl Bunch David Corvette Charlie Fox Amy Funderburk Barbara Gobien Michael Hader Mike Henry Jeff Hooven Robert Juzups Eric Kent Lucia Oswald Judy Roberts Gail Schiffer Ellie Setser Buck Stackhouse Louis Steinke Jane Swing John Swink

Operating Highlights Support and Revenue • Admissions • Contributions • Memberships • Concessions • Special events • Fundraising events • Miscellaneous • Supplemental

Program revenue Gain on sale of property and equipment Total revenue:

$6,413,745 $2,905,198 $1,334,959 $632,231 $597,067 $349,664 $251,774 $123,987 $43,420 $450 $12,652,495

Expenses Program services: Facilities $2,444,969 Guest and Member $2,389,229 Husbandry $1,524,654 Education $1,265,530 Conservation $804,513 Total program services: $8,428,895

Supporting services: Executive, Finance $2,720,384 and Administration Fundraising $733,060 Membership $143,256 Total supporting services: $3,596,700

• • • •

Total expenses:

$12,025,595

74%

of this year’s revenue was earned through admission and other activities, such as memberships and special events.

26%

of this year’s revenue was contributed by generous donors, like you.

70%

of this year’s expenses (more than $8 million) was used toward programming designed to inspire conservation of the natural world.

$1,265,530 was used toward education program services.

A community connected . . .

to the future

Presenting Landmark 2025 At the close of 2018, the South Carolina Aquarium’s board of directors and staff finalized a bold five-year strategic plan that will shape our work and our identity from 2020 through 2025.

conceived, unforgettable experience to every guest we serve. And woven through these bold transitions will be our defining feature – memorable moments of pure fun.

We did not shape this plan alone; we engaged more than 100 community leaders, educators, researchers, biologists, conservationists and urban planners from across our region and across the country. Together, we asked ourselves: Who does our community need us to be? Over time, how can we deliver more inspiration than ever before, draw people closer to one another and to the water, wildlife and wild places that surround and sustain us?

How can we do more than is expected, in response to a future that is increasingly unclear?

Our Landmark journey begins with a groundbreaking initiative, literally.

As we near our 20th anniversary, positioned to build on the unprecedented progress of the last five years, the Aquarium is honored to present Landmark 2025. This roadmap will guide our organization to innovate in the areas of conservation, education and animal care – and to anchor, animate and transform our city’s eastern peninsula. The Landmark vision is a five-year plan for the powerful realization of what is possible when an aquarium becomes more than the sum of its parts, and transitions from a building to a campus, a convener to a leader, an educator to a global voice.

In the Landmark period leading up to 2025, the Aquarium’s voice and programming will animate new spaces throughout our city, and illuminate pathways and experiences within a transformed Aquarium Wharf that will serve as a new gateway to the water. We will deliver the life-changing conservation messages only we can provide to communities across the globe, and we will present a newly

In late 2020, the Aquarium will launch Landmark 2025 by opening our city’s first interdisciplinary learning complex, located within the Maritime Center. The Aquarium Learning Lab will serve more than 25,000 students each year, delivering the core standards-aligned experiences every student in our region requires. We will launch a fresh slate of programs designed to equip area teens with the tools they need to seize career opportunities in STEM fields, and become the next generation of environmental leaders and scientists. We will launch a summer camp program designed to connect students directly with the water, and professional researchers will enjoy access to the community as never before, animating our city’s first outdoor classroom with messages and findings fresh from the field.

Landmark 2025 is a vision for an amplified, magnetic Aquarium – a space no longer confined to our existing facility, but expansively accessible, along the waterfront, in the digital sphere and across our region.

The future is brighter than ever, and you are an essential partner in it.

JOIN US FOR WHAT’S NEXT To find out how to make an individual, planned, corporate or foundation gift, call our Advancement Office at (843) 579-8552 or visit scaquarium.org/give .

100 Aquarium Wharf Charleston, SC 29401 (843) 577-FISH (3474)

CONSERVATION MATTERS This publication is printed on environmentally friendly 100% recycled paper.