Corpus Christi, Texas
For the sixth year in a row the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation (CBBF) proudly reveals the winners of this year’s Coastal Bend Conservation and Environmental Stewardship Awards. CBBF’s Awards Program recognizes and honors outstanding Coastal Bend citizens, educators, businesses, governing bodies and other entities that have made significant contributions to the protection of our region’s precious natural resources, habitats and native species, and the education of our region’s youth.
The 2008 winners are:
Public Service – Ms. Robyn Cobb, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. For a public servant whose efforts and leadership on behalf of the Coastal Bend Region exceed the requirement of his or her job.
Citizen Volunteer – Ms. Teresa A. Carrillo, Sejita, Texas. For a citizen who dedicates time and energy to the preservation of the Coastal Bend Region without any expectation of compensation or recognition.
Coastal Community – City of Ingleside. For farsighted public stewardship over the Coastal Bend's resources and for leadership in enhancing the Coastal Bend environment.
Small Business – Dinah Bowman Studio and Gallery. For a Coastal Bend small business for leadership in giving protection of the region's environments the high priority they deserve.
Non Profit Organization – Sunny Beaches. For a nonprofit organization that has worked to preserve the region's heritage, protect the natural environment, and nurture the prosperity of the Coastal Bend.
Public Awareness – Surfrider Foundation, Texas Coastal Bend Chapter. For an institution/individual for dedication & effectiveness in raising public awareness about the natural resources of the Coastal Bend.
Elementary Education – Ms. Michelle Horine, Coastal Bend Wildlife Photo Contest. For a teacher for dedication & effectiveness in educating students about Coastal Bend natural resources.
Middle School Education – Ms. Colleen Duzich, Incarnate WordMiddle School. For a teacher for dedication & effectiveness in educating middle school students about Coastal Bend natural resources.
High School Education – Ms. Tina DellingerInnovationAcademy, MoodyHigh School. For a teacher for dedication & effectiveness in educating high school students about Coastal Bend natural resources.,
Higher Education - University and College – Jennifer Smith-Engle, Ph.D., Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi AND Gregory Wayne Stunz, Ph.D., Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. For an institution, professor, or instructor for dedication & effectiveness in educating Texans about the natural resources of the Coastal Bend.
The Chairman’s Award – Mr. Bruce Moulton, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. For commitment to and extraordinary effectiveness in preserving Texas’ rich coastal heritage.
As in years past, award winners are to be honored at CBBF’s annual fund-raiser and banquet. This year the dinner and award program will be held at 6 PM, Thursday, November 6, 2008, at the TexasState Aquarium, 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd. Dining will take place inside the main Aquarium building, with tables set amidst dazzling aquaria featuring creatures from the Gulf of Mexico. However, the highlight of the evening is the Awards Presentation, which will follow in the Aquarium’s Hawn Wild Flight Theater. Emcees David and Katie Sikes will present honorees with beautiful, one-of-a-kind ceramic awards, designed specially for this event by Aloe Tile of Corpus Christi.
Tickets for this “don’t miss it” social event honoring our region’s environmental heroes are available by purchasing on-line at
http://www.baysfoundation.org/online_store.php, by calling CBBF at 361-882-3439, or by writing to: CBBF, PO Box 23035, Corpus Christi, TX, 78403. The public is invited to purchase either General Admission tickets for $50, Friend of the Bay tickets for $75, or a table for eight for $750. Purchase of Friend of the Bay tickets and group tables provides additional support for CBBF to continue this outstanding recognition program, as well as our other outreach and education programs throughout the year. Limited sponsorship opportunities remain for businesses wishing to demonstrate their commitment to CBBF, our environmental programs, and the Coastal Bend’s bays and estuaries. Contact Lois Huff at CBBF (361-882-3439) to arrange for your company’s sponsorship.
This exciting evening will be replete with dinner catered by Marco’s, a silent auction featuring over one hundred nature and outdoor-oriented items, including hunts, fishing trips and outdoor getaways, and a raffle of outdoor items and accessories. The music of Triggerfish, a Port Aransas band that performs music best described as "TROPICOUSTICAL," will have guests grooving to the beat of their music, a blend of Caribbean, Latin and Buffett, with a touch of Texas!
Special thanks go to CBBF’s blue ribbon Selection Committee, chaired by John (Wes) Tunnell, Jr., Ph.D. of Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, Harte Research Institute and the Center for Coastal Studies, for their hard work and dedication to this program. The other members of the selection committee include Linda Simpson, Region II Service Center, representing education; Alan Bligh, Better Business Bureau, representing business; Josephine Miller, San Patricio Economic Development Corp., representing non-profits; Dr. Jim Tolan, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Susan Clewis, of Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and Robyn Cobb, of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, representing state and federal agencies; Bob Corrigan, of Corrigan Benefits LLP, representing private citizens; and John La Rue, of the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, representing Coastal Bend Industry. Our hat’s off to these kind folks for all they did to select our honorees. The CBBF Chair and 2008 President, Mr. Carlton “Buddy” Stanley selected the Chairman's Award.
The theme of this year’s event is “the party won’t be the same without you.” Don’t miss this exceptional local event, unique for recognizing the people and organizations who keep the sparkle in the Sparkling City by the Sea. It’s not too late to volunteer for this event. Call Lois Huff at the number above, or go to the website,
www.baysfoundation.org
