Singing songs to help sea creatures

May 27, 2012

Sea turtles, and perhaps soon, seals will benefit from the money raised during the second Songs for the Sea, held Saturday at Buzzards Bay Park.

The family-friendly concert, organized by Wareham resident Grace Morrison, brought in approximately $500, which, after expenses are paid, will be donated to the National Marine Life Center, located in Buzzards Bay. The event was held following the nonprofit's Feet, Fins, & Flippers 5K, also held at the park.

"It's so wonderful to have all these bands coming out to help and make a difference for these animals," said Kathy Zagzebski, president and executive director of the National Marine Life Center.

Morrison's band, Grace Morrison and the RSO, performed. The Moldy Suitcases and Matt Borrello also took the Buzzards Bay Gazebo stage.

The National Marine Life Center rehabilitates sea animals that become injured or stranded on-shore. The center recently raised money and expanded to better treat sea turtles and now takes sick animals from the New England Aquarium when the aquarium becomes filled to capacity, Zagzebski said.

Morrison organized the first Songs for the Sea two years ago after visiting the center and becoming inspired to help it raise the funds it needed for its expansion.

The funds raised from this year's event will help pay for the center's operating costs, Zagzebski said, before noting that another fundraising challenge may soon be on the horizon.

The National Marine Life Center was just inspected by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and may soon get the green light to begin treating and hospitalizing seals at its facility.

It's a big deal, as Zagzebski explained: "There's no place in the state for seals right now" to be hospitalized.

The event raised money through raffles and the sale of National Marine Life Center T-shirts made just for the event -- and designed by Wareham resident Naomi Oliver, a music student of Morrison's.

Morrison will be collecting redeemable bottles and cans to raise funds for next year’s purchase of T-shirts. To donate, contact Morrison through the Grace Morrison and the RSO Facebook page.

Morrison thanked Olde Maids, Inc., Lindsey's Family Restaurant, Cup 2, Music of the Bay, and Franklin American Mortgage, Kerri Doze and Sarah Oliver, as well as WCTV and, of course, Karl the King Krab for their assistance with the event.