Reef Jam raised about $10,000 at its September fundraiser held at Rhythm’s at Rainbow Beach on St. Croix, and the organizers just announced which St. Croix groups will receive mini-grants funded with money raised at that event. The grants go to help fund education and conservation efforts.
“We give it to organizations that follow the same mission as Reef Jam,” organizer Janelle Schindler said.
Beyond Visions Foundation will receive $3,000 to support a brand new aspect of its Nature Explorers’ Club called the Marine Environment and Education Program. The programwill increase awareness of youth and families in underserved communities about the importance of safeguarding our marine ecosystems.
“The kids we deal with don’t have a lot of exposure,” Beyond Visions Director Yvonne Petersen said.
She said the grant will fund transportation and the cost of a certified lifeguard for snorkel trips to St. Croix’s Areas of Particular Concern designated by the Planning and Natural Resources Department. Petersen said Beyond Visions runs one trip a month.
The St. Croix Environmental Association received $2,240 to improve and continue offering free snorkel clinics to the St. Croix community. Monthly snorkel clinics teach people how to enjoy marine wildlife without damaging the reef.
“The whole idea is if kids love and enjoy the water, they will take care of it,” SEA Environmental Education Coordinator Lynnea Roberts said.
Most of the participants have no previous snorkeling experience. Roberts said the kids get so excited when they see the undersea world for the first time.
The program runs once a month from April through October, a time period when the water is warmer. Roberts said that while reservations are not required, she asked that people call if they know in advance they’ll participate or are bringing a group.
The grant covers the cost of the program for the entire time period, Roberts said. That includes four instructors and a lifeguard on the beach.
The next snorkel clinic is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon April 30 at Fort Frederik beach.
According to Schindler, it takes about half the money raised at the annual Reef Jam to fund the next year’s event. Schindler, her husband, Kurt Schindler, and Melanie Feltmate are the core Reef Jam organizers. Schindler said that about 100 volunteers pitch in, and another 100 businesses donate to Reef Jam. She said that about 1,000 people attended the 2010 event.
“Everyone on the island embraces the cause of Reef Jam,” she said.
The group raises money through admission tickets and by selling T-shirts, food and drinks, as well as raffle tickets.
The 2011 Reef Jam will be held May 29.
Reach SEA at 773-1989 or www.stxenvironmental.org. Call Beyond Visions at 718-0284 or visit www.beyondvisions.org. Visit www.reefjam.com.
