CLEARWATER - Slap on some sunscreen and get ready for the benefit concert of the year.
Shephard's Beach Resort on Clearwater Beach is hosting a mega event benefiting The Florida Aquarium's fundraising efforts to help marine life threatened by the BP oil spill.
The event is Sunday, Aug. 1, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Nine of Tampa Bay's most talented disc jockeys have donated their time to ensure non-stop entertainment for the event. The line up will feature DJ LESAGE, DJ KU, DJ GIMME SAMOA, DJ JAIME FEREIRRA, DJ MONDO, DJ ROB ANALYZE, DJ BARRY CAREW, DJ KID LEOW and DJ RAY.
People can join the party by boat at Shephard's beach front and a very large turnout to show support is anticipated.
"The care of local animals and the ecosystems they call home are part of the very mission of The Florida Aquarium," says Thom Stork, president and CEO of The Florida Aquarium. "We feel it extremely important to prepare for the worst while we hope for the best in this region of Florida. And what better way to remind people that are beaches remain oil free and a fantastic place to gather with friends and family."
A second purpose? Spread the word that hospitality in Florida is alive and well.or at least could be if everyone understood the truth.
"Despite numerous stories nationally and internationally that confuse and scare tourists about visiting Florida's West Coast, we need it to be heard loud and clear that the oil is not here on our beaches. Clearwater is as beautiful as ever and we need to be screaming that message louder than ever," says Gerri Shephard, General Manager of Shephard's Beach Resort Clearwater Beach.
While the event is hosted at Shephard's Beach Resort the support for the event is a team effort. Every penny of advertising, entertainment and supporting production for the event is being donated by local businesses including Red Frog Marketing (Shephard's advertising agency of record), Clear Channel 93.3 FLZ, St Pete Times TBT, Fios ViaMedia, Cox Media Group Tampa and Games 2 U (unique interactive mobile gaming).
"We all (already) work together every day in the best interest of Shephard's. Tourism fuels our economy and our own businesses. It was a no brainer to agree to spearhead this and ask for a large amount of support for this event. Everyone has been so giving; it is exceeding our expectations and will result in an awesome outcome for both The Florida Aquarium and West Coast Tourism Awareness," says Jenn Greacen, Executive Director of Red Frog Marketing.
