Thank you!
We had a whale of a time at this years Sitka WhaleFest and hope you did too!
Thank you to the fabulous scientists that presented during the Mysteries of Our Changing Seas science symposium, Keisha Bahr, Janet Neilson, Yumi Arimitsu, Madison Kosma, Kristin Laidre, Robert Suydam, Jackie Hildering, Rob Suryan, Michael Castellini. Thank you to Ellen Chenoweth and the brilliant Ocean Bowl students that gave us a view into their world of ocean trivia competing.
This event truly takes an entire community of businesses, organizations and individuals to put on. Sitka Sound Science Center’s partnership with the University of Alaska Southeast allows us to continue to grow the educational programming during WhaleFest and bring current marine research to the public. We could not continue this work without the support of major donors and sponsors North Pacific Research Board, the National Science Foundation, Sitka Alaska Permanent Charitable Trust, Saltchuk, 1st Bank, the National Institute of Health and Silverbay Seafoods. Additionally we are supported by donations from local businesses and individuals for which we would like to recognize and express our appreciation to Seamart Quality Foods, Tigger & Bear Foundation, White’s Harry Race, Alaska Seaplanes, Sandra Kincheloe, Venneberg Insurance, Beak, Dave Moore, Sitka Sound Tours, Sitka Salmon Shares, Rising Tide Bagels, NMS Catering, Sitka Sound Seafoods, Dana Pitts, Josia Monteil, The Backdoor Cafe, Fisheye Cafe, Patricia and Richard Siefert, Mark Hunt and Margaret Lohfeld.
In conjunction with financial support it takes a large number of helping hands to make this happen. Volunteers help with tasks like baking and cooking food for the speakers, collecting tickets at the door, selling raffle tickets, helping set up and clean up after events and everything in between. Thank you to Kitty LaBounty, James Clare, Krisanne Rice, Jill Johnson, Katie Sweeney, Dana Pitts, Linda Waller, Tom Clarke, Theo Lufenberg, Lakota Harden, Irene Ferguson, Anne Griswold, Issa al Bawwab, Lisa Brendle, Brooke Volschenk, Tonia Stevens, Bridget Hitchcock, Jarrod Yelton, Joelle Jura, Mihaela Motca, Mary Boose, Lysette Kessler, Abbey Rothfeldt, Alana Mandalapa, Lione Clare, Franklin Eccher, Grace Greenwald and KK Prussian and family.
Many of the events at Sitka WhaleFest are held through a partnership with others. Their partnership allows WhaleFest to remain a diverse festival and provide something for everybody. Thank you the Greater Sitka Arts Council and Grind crew for putting on the Maritime Grind, SEARHC for putting on the WhaleFest Fun Run, the students and teachers of Sitka for providing the beautiful marine themed art that was on display throughout the weekend and Allen Marine for making the wildlife cruises possible. The cafe and marketplace is made possible by the wonderful vendors that participate. Thank you to the Friends of Sitka Cirque for making delicious soups, The Backdoor Cafe for providing coffee and treats, Rising Tide Bagels for our favorite bagels and First Class Engraving, Friendship Beading Company, Auriella Hughes Art, Yarn Cat Alaska, Divide Designs, Woven in the Waves, Sitka Wild Seafoods, Charlee Oh Creations, NOAA Office of Law Enforcement, Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, Sitka Conservation Society, Sitka Tribe of Alaska, Homer Whales, Old Harbor Books, Winter Song Soap Company, SeaDreams, The Outer Coast, SE AK Conservation Council, Sweet Sisters Caramels, Alaska Pure Sea Salt Co., Sexi Seaweed Jewelry, Alaska Clean Harbors, Sitka Maritime Heritage, Counting Twirls and 57 Peaks for participating in the marketplace.
The Silent Auction which raises money to support Sitka WhaleFest and the Ahlgren/Cunningham Scholarship Fund was made possible by donations from Trish & Dirk White, Petro Marine, Old Harbor Books, AK Pure Sea Salt, Wintersong Soap Co., Goldsmith Gallery, Galanin Klein, Raven’s Random, Barb Delong, Cabin Fever, Rob Allen, Davey Lubin, Rich Phillips, Fired Designs, Friendship Beading Co., Janet Berlin, Amy Sweeney, Dan Kilkeary and Paulla Hardy.
A huge thank you to Jan Straley who has continued to be a critical part of Sitka WhaleFest since its inception! The stewardship of the science symposium through her and Michael Castellini is a major component to its success and growth.
Last but certainly not least, THANK YOU to all how came to join us and participate in the many events at the 2019 Sitka WhaleFest. We can’t wait to see you again next year!
