EcoTeach Announces 2nd Annual Fundraising Event to Save the Leatherback Turtles of Costa Rica

provided by EcoTeach Foundation

To continue the efforts made possible by the success of last year’s Save the Turtles fundraising gala at the Space Needle, EcoTeach Foundation has announced it will hold a second annual event in Spring 2004. The “Save the Turtles” auction will take place on Sunday, March 21, 2004 at the Mount Baker Community Club in Seattle.

      Last year, over $35,000 was raised to help build a sea turtle education center and medicinal garden at Estación Las Tortugas in Costa Rica and provide much-needed funds to support the work done to save the leatherback sea turtle from extinction. The goal of the 2004 event will be to finish the education center and continue to support turtle-saving efforts in Costa Rica. This very special event will feature dinner, a live auction, and an unforgettable presentation by one of Costa Rica’s leading sea turtle experts. Items to be included in the auction include travel getaways, nights on the town, fine art, jewelry, spa treatments, yoga and more.

     

Leatherback Sea Turtle Facts

  • It is the largest sea turtle and reptile on earth today by weight – ranging from 500 to 2,000 pounds and growing to a length of nine feet.
  • Of all turtles, the leatherback travels the farthest, dives the deepest, and goes into the coldest waters. Leatherbacks are found in all oceans, from Iceland and Alaska to Argentina and Australia!
  • The leatherback is listed as critically endangered worldwide by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). In the last 15 years, the Leatherback population has decreased by 75percent. Threats include aggressive harvesting of turtle eggs, incidentalcapture in fishing nets, pollution of beaches and oceans and beachdevelopment.

Tickets for the Save the Turtles event are $40 and are available by calling 206-789-5668.


      Founded in 1999, EcoTeach Foundation has supported numerous education, rural development and conservation projects throughout Costa Rica. Their community-based projects provide alternative sources of income for local people and involve educating both EcoTeach tour groups and the local community. EcoTeach Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization.