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MERR Finraiser rises high above the waves
MERR Director Suzanne Thurman welcomes the band 33 1/3 to the stage.
November 23, 2019
The annual MERR Finraiser opened at the top of the Henlopen Hotel in Salero to a sold-out crowd. Attendees enjoyed music, wine tastings, small plates, and silent and live auctions. MERR had a very busy year with 219 strandings reported. The group closed out 2018 with a humpback stranded at Cape Henlopen State Park, a victim of a ship strike. More than 100 whales have died in two years, eight of which were in Delaware. The annual dolphin count attracted more than 140 volunteers; this year 25 dolphins were stranded, and six sea turtles were stranded.
MERR Director Suzanne Thurman welcomes the band 33 1/3 to the stage.
Attendees were greeted by breeching dolphin displays in the lobby.
Honorary Chair Mayor Ted Becker is greeted by MERR Director Suzann Thurman.
MERRanda the mermaid educates attendees at arrival.
Celebrity guest bartenders are (l-r) Marcos Salaverria, Mallory Metzner and Maddy Lauria.
Artist Alan Tuttle created several of these works of art featuring a heron as a fundraiser for worthy causes.
Keith Mosher designed a T-shirt and was on hand to screen print to order.
Education is the focus of many MERR events.
Breeching dolphins flank the silent auction tables.
A homemade limoncello by Joelle was on the auction block and up for sampling at the wine table.
Lewes Mayor Ted Becker, Joan Flaherty, Charlie Garlow, and Rehoboth Mayor Paul Kuhns share a moment at the FINraiser
A couple guitars are up for auction.
Tunes waft through the restaurant from the band 33 1/3.
The band 33 1/3 plays for the Finnraiser.
Art is a hot silent auction item.
The lucky draw raffle is a fun way to support MERR.
Several sailing experiences were on the auction block.
Local businesses donate to MERR.
A beaded killer whale flies high above the surf.
