Local Businesses Support Coral Reef Protection through Holiday Online Auction

Reef Relief, a global non-profit membership organization based in Key West is working with panhandle business to help protect coral reefs here and afar. Paul Johnson, President of the organization and Crawfordville resident, has found a great connection between the south Florida island communities of the Florida Keys and our own coastal villages. “We have so much in common- great people, great water resources, and great opportunities to protect and enjoy them."

To raise money for the many programs Reef Relief conducts year round, they are holding a “Holiday On-Line Auction” with tons of great merchandise and adventures. “This is our big annual fund raiser for support of our efforts to protect reefs,” Johnson said. “I decided this year to try to recruit some local businesses to get some exposure and interest in our area and have some fun.”

{sidebar id=1}The response has been terrific, with over a dozen donations so far (see list below). “From kayak trips, restaurant and bar tabs and dive equipment, our local businesses have stepped up to help reefs and put our area on the map in a positive way.” I f you wonder why we in the panhandle should be worried about reefs – think of where all those wonderful grouper and snapper come from!

“Reef Relief has partnered with the business community in Key West and the Florida Keys to help protect coral reefs for over 20 years," continued Johnson. "It being one of the ecotourism Capitol’s of the World, (i.e. number-one dive destination and largest charter boat and wilderness guide fleet in the world) it has been a great partnership. Businesses support our efforts to protect the natural resource that brings their customers there and we help promote their business. It’s as simple as that.”

With over 400 items worth $160,000, we have something for everyone. There is still time for local businesses to donate items and get in on the action. It’s a great way to have some fun Christmas shopping from your computer for some pretty unusual and interesting gifts and for a great cause. Bidding will get very competitive after Thanksgiving. The auction will close December 15 and items delivered to winning bidders in time to put under the tree! Just go to www.reefrelief.org and Let the Bidding Begin!!!

•    Cabos Island Grill & Bar - $25 food and drink gift certificates, Tallahassee.
•    Celebrity Kayak Trip w/ Reef Relief President Paul Johnson - $250, St. Marks Refuge.
•    Coral Reef Scuba - $140 Snorkel gear, Tallahassee.
•    Crum’s Mini Mall - ???, Panacea.
•    Down Under Dive Shop - ???, Crawfordville.
•    Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories - $15 Aquarium admission for two, Panacea.
•    Hook Wreck Henry’s Dockside Restaurant– $50 food and drink gift Certificates, Panacea.
•    Inn at Wildwood Resort- $175 One-night stay and 18-hole golf game, Crawfordville.
•    New Leaf Market - $ 50 gift basket, Tallahassee.
•    Riverside Café - $ 25 food and drink certificate, St. Marks.
•    TnT Canoe Rental - $50 half-day canoe rental, Crawfordville.
•    Wilderness Way - $50 half day paddle trip, Tallahassee.
•    “Take the Kinks Out” –$15 & “Mullet – the other white meat” T-shirts $20.00.

This information originally published on November 24, 2008.

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