Like all businesses and nonprofits navigating 2020’s Covid-19 pandemic, Caretta Research Project (CRP) has reimagined their annual fundraiser to support the local nonprofit that set industry standards for research and critical conservation efforts to ensure the long-term protection and full recovery of the Northwest Atlantic loggerhead population.

Founded in 1973, Caretta Research Project is the longest running continuous loggerhead research program in the United States. “With the onset of Covid-19 and despite cutting back our crew, our expenses did not significantly change,” said Caretta Research Project Executive Director Kris Williams. “Now, more than ever, we need support from the community for the CRP. Instead of our traditional annual fundraiser “Night on the Bluff,” we have created two events that are unique, personal  and socially responsible.”

The first event features a “Concert on the River” with the Rolling Stones tribute band ‘Monkey Man’ playing live from a residential dock on the Herb River, September 19, 2020 at 4 p.m. (the seventh dock from the Wilmington River). This event is open to those who wish to attend by boat and anchor in the river to enjoy the band, while practicing social distancing. 

The concert will be filmed and edited to a one hour “Virtual Concert Fundraiser” that will take place online October 21, 2020 from 7-8 p.m. This virtual event will feature the “Concert on the River” and in combination with sponsorships, donations and an exclusive online auction, will allow CRP to connect with supporters near and far from the comfort of their own home. A minimum $25 per person donation is kindly suggested to help support the 48th year of ongoing Loggerhead research, conservation and education on Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge.

“With the community’s participation, we can continue to responsibly raise funds for the research and protection of the turtles in our own backyard on the Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge,” said Board of Directors President Ruth Weimar. “We appreciate the unique circumstances we are living in at the moment and are grateful for any support our patrons and wildlife lovers can offer.”