Maritime Aquarium to Host 'Cirque de la Mer' Fundraiser Gala

From The Maritime Aquarium: In recognition of their substantial support, Norwalk developer Clay Fowler and global insurer XL Catlin are recipients of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk’s 2017 Red Apple Awards.

Fowler, of Spinnaker Real Estate Partners, and XL Catlin will be honored on April 20 during “Cirque de la Mer,” the Aquarium’s annual fund-raising gala. Presented during the event, the Red Apple Awards honor companies, organizations and individuals who share the Aquarium’s concern for the natural world and environmental education.

“We are a more conservation-minded and efficient organization, thanks to Clay and to XL Catlin,” said Dr. Brian Davis, president of The Maritime Aquarium. “Their efforts have moved us forward as a dynamic aquarium, a resource for environmental education, and an economic driver in Norwalk and the state of Connecticut. We’re pleased and grateful to honor them both.”

The 18th annual Red Apple Award honorees are:

Clay Fowler

As Spinnaker’s chairman and chief executive officer, Fowler leads one of the most highly regarded development firms in the NYC/Fairfield County region. In addition, his many advocacies include serving as chairman of the Planning Board for the town of Pound Ridge, N.Y., for the past 20 years, and on the boards of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation and Outward Bound USA.

Fowler is committed to The Maritime Aquarium on many levels as a valued member of the Board of Trustees and serves tirelessly as head of the trustees’ Building Committee. His expertise and dedication to the Aquarium is essential to the Aquarium’s continued growth.

XL Catlin

XL Catlin is the global brand used by XL Group Ltd’s insurance and reinsurance companies that provide property, casualty, professional and specialty products to industrial, commercial and professional firms, insurance companies and other enterprises throughout the world. Clients look to XL Catlin for answers to their most complex risks and to help move their world forward. To learn more, visit xlcatlin.com.

XL Catlin has been a strong supporter of The Maritime Aquarium’s environmental and conservation work. The company donated generously toward the Aquarium’s unique new hybrd-electric research vessel, as well as to its solar-panel initiative and Corporate Volunteer program. XL Catlin’s support is made possible through the State of Connecticut’s Neighborhood Assistance Act, which encourages corporations in Connecticut to provide valuable assistance to environmental and conservation activities in exchange for tax credits.

Elliott Bundy, XL Catlin’s chief communications and marketing officer, will accept the Red Apple Award on behalf of the company.

The “Cirque de la Mer” fund-raising evening supports The Maritime Aquarium’s Red Apple Fund for Student Enrichment and educational initiatives for the entire Aquarium. Money raised at the gala help to make the Aquarium’s unique marine-science and environmental-education programs available to students and teachers in the tri-state area who otherwise may not be able to participate.

The April 20 event will be held primarily under “the big top” outside the Aquarium’s main entrance. More than 400 guests will enjoy a sit-down dinner, silent and live auctions, a one-of-a-kind cocktail party throughout the Aquarium galleries, and the event’s awards ceremony.

Online bidding is open now on amazing experiences and excellent merchandise in “Cirque de la Mer’s” silent auction. Online bidding ends at 8:30 p.m. on April 20. To bid, go here and click on the “Cirque de la Mer” link at the top of the page.

Media sponsor of “Cirque de la Mer” is New Canaan-Darien-Rowayton Magazine/Moffly Media.

For more information about the 2017 Red Apple Awards, the “Cirque de la Mer” gala or the Red Apple Fund for Student Enrichment, call The Maritime Aquarium at (203) 852-0700, ext. 2277, or email klowe@maritimeaquarium.org.

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit institution whose mission is to inspire people of all ages to appreciate Long Island Sound and protect it for future generations. A vibrant and entertaining learning environment, it achieves this goal through living exhibits, marine science, and environmental education.

The Maritime Aquarium receives support from the State of Connecticut DECD’s Offices of Culture and Tourism.

Photo credit to Kristen Jensen:

(Image 1) Norwalk developer Clay Fowler is a recipient of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk’s 18th annual Red Apple Awards, to be presented on Thurs., April 20 during the Aquarium’s “Cirque de la Mer” gala.

Photo credit: Maritime Aquarium

(Image 2) A team from XL Catlin readies for a day of corporate volunteering last May at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. The global insurer is the corporate recipient of the 18th annual Red Apple Awards, to be presented on Thurs., April 20 during the Aquarium’s “Cirque de la Mer” gala.