MERR Finraiser makes a splash

The annual Marine Education, Research & Rehabilitation (MERR) Finraiser celebrated its largest turnout ever on Nov. 21 at the Salero restaurant atop the Henlopen Hotel in Rehoboth Beach.

A total of 165 attendees dined, danced and bid on many unique auction items throughout the evening, grossing $23,182 for the nonprofit organization.

Ted Becker, mayor of Lewes, served as the honorary chairperson of the event, and Terry Plowman, editor of Delaware Beach Life magazine, and local photographer Kevin Fleming served as celebrity bartenders who greeted the guests as they arrived at the top floor overlooking the ocean.

Frank McCraghan once again served as auctioneer, entertaining guests as they bid on unique items that included an original piece from local painter Howard Schroeder, donated by his family.

"This was such an overwhelming night in terms of support for the organization," said MERR Executive Director Suzanne Thurman. "We couldn't have done it without the support of the event sponsors Solero, The Cape Gazette, Stoze Design, Brighton Homes and County Bank."

"We also would like to thank AdArt and Teller Wines for their contributions, the staff at Salero, who were so helpful and accommodating, and, of course, all the attendees who showed up to bid on the items and celebrate the cause to help with rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals and sea turtles," she added.

For more information on MERR Institute, go to merrinstitute.org.