Friends of Manatee Lagoon to Host Fourth Annual

Soirée for Seagrass Fundraising Gala

Event Supports Conservation of Manatee Habitats and their Prime Food Source

West Palm Beach – October 27, 2025 – Friends of Manatee Lagoon (FOML), a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding environmental education and raising awareness about the challenges facing manatees and Florida’s coastal ecosystems, will host its fourth annual Soirée for Seagrass at Manatee Lagoon, an FPL Discovery Center®, on Friday, Nov. 14 from 6-9 p.m. 

Guests will gather along the picturesque Lake Worth Lagoon waterfront for a memorable evening featuring "Seagrass Spritzers,” dinner by the bite, live music, and an elegant experience at the live and silent auctions. The annual fundraiser is dedicated to raising awareness about the loss of seagrass — the primary food source for manatees — and to engage the community in conservation efforts that protect manatees and all marine life habitats. 

Jay Cashmere, an acclaimed broadcast journalist and community advocate, will again guide the evening’s festivities and highlight the growing impact of FOML’s programs.

“The Soirée for Seagrass is a celebration of what makes our community so special and the people who truly want to make a difference,” said FOML Executive Director Sarah Marmion. “Our goal, this and every year, is to turn that momentum into measurable progress for seagrass restoration, manatee protection, and environmental education throughout South Florida.”

Last year’s event raised a record-breaking amount for the organization. Funds raised through the Soirée directly support local seagrass restoration projects, manatee protection initiatives, and environmental education programs.

Tickets and sponsorships are now available. Individual tickets are $250 before Nov. 1 and $300 thereafter. Sponsorships range from $2,500 to $25,000 and offer opportunities for recognition and meaningful engagement with FOML’s conservation mission. More information about sponsorships and tickets can be found here: friendsofmanateelagoon.org/events/soiree-for-seagrass-2025/ 

About Friends of Manatee Lagoon

Friends of Manatee Lagoon is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding environmental education opportunities for all ages in Palm Beach County and beyond through future enhanced exhibits and experiential learning opportunities. Their mission is to raise awareness and funding for inspiring exhibits, educational programs, and conservation efforts that inform the community about the environmental challenges manatees encounter in Florida. Friends of Manatee Lagoon is located in Riviera Beach, Florida. Situated along the Lake Worth Lagoon estuary, Friends of Manatee Lagoon works with environmental partners to conduct research and present information that will lead to healthier coastal ecosystems.

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