While the StL may be far from either coast, many St. Louisans are still fascinated by the wonder and awe of beautiful blue waters and the creatures who call them home. The St. Louis Aquarium is dedicated to taking visitors on a journey from fresh water rivers to the dark depths of the ocean. As well as inspiring the community with amazing aquatic creatures, the organization is dedicated to protecting them and their natural habitats. Its nonprofit component, the St. Louis Aquarium Foundation, engages the region by providing educational programs and building powerful communities for water.

“Experiencing the aquarium can change a life,” foundation executive director Tamera Brown notes. “We’ve had people become certified divers because of the passion visiting sparked. Talk to any marine biologists, and you will likely learn that their interest started because their parents took them to a zoo or aquarium when they were young. We want to be able to pass down that inspiration to every child.” One of the St Louis Aquarium Foundation’s most important programs is Help to Our Friends, or H2O Friends. The initiative aims to make the aquarium more accessible by providing free admission to Title One schools and other community partner organizations that provide support for underserved families.

While guests are wowed and inspired by the animals who call the aquarium home, the foundation wants to ensure they also understand the importance of taking care of their natural habitats. “It’s crucial that everyone understands that they have a responsibility to care for our waterways,” Brown says. “We may be landlocked, but the Mississippi River flows into the ocean through the Gulf of Mexico. What we do in
St. Louis has an impact.” To ensure the region’s impact is a positive one, the foundation hosts river cleanups. It has doubled its number of cleanups for 2023, already surpassing the 1,500 pounds of garbage cleared in 2022.

On Nov. 10, the St. Louis Aquarium Foundation will host its annual gala. With a Splash Bash theme, it will transform the aquarium into a classic boardwalk. Guests are invited to take in the carnival-like atmosphere, complete with games, roaming entertainment and street food and desserts. It’s also a great chance to meet some of the aquarium’s 13,000 inhabitants—from moon jellyfish to river otters. “It is a wonderful way to experience what you’re helping us share with local kids,” Brown notes.

The money raised by the gala will go toward the H2O Friends program, ensuring the aquarium can be accessed by more children and families. “As our only annual fundraising event, it is extremely important,” Brown says. “With 100% of Splash Bash proceeds going to H20 Friends, it plays a critical role in ensuring both schools and our partner organizations can enjoy and learn through the aquarium. We hope to see 15,000 children visit the aquarium who would otherwise be unable to, and it’s possible thanks to the support of the community.”

The St. Louis Aquarium Foundation is dedicated to providing access to the St. Louis Aquarium and educational resources, access to the St. Louis Aquarium and educational resources, while building powerful communities for water. Its Splash Bash gala is Nov. 10. Pictured on the cover: Steve O’Loughlin, Ron Kruszewski, Bob O’Loughlin. For more information, call 314.923.3926 or visit stlaquariumfoundation.org.

Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton

Pictured at top: Camp attendees enjoy the aquarium.
Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Aquarium Foundation