Ocean Connections
Turn the Tide Event Schedule
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No parking at event. Transportation will be provided. All guests will park and meet our event shuttles at the St. Joan of Arc Parish (120 Nashotah Road Nashotah, WI 53058) Shuttles will run continuously between 3:30-9:00pm. |
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| EVENT ITINERARY | |
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3:30pm- 4:30pm |
Transportation Begins Ocean Connections will provide a shuttle to bring you to the event! |
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4:00pm- 4:15pm |
Welcome Activities Enjoy a refreshing cocktail, gourmet appetizers, peruse our silent auction items, and other surprises you won't want to miss! |
| 4:15pm-5:15pm |
Interactive Program with Animal Ambassadors Attendees will receive the opportunity to interact with animal ambassadors from around the globe. Our beautiful ambassadors will engage you in the experience of a lifetime as you meet and learn about their amazing stories. From wallabies to porcupines to a tamandua and sloth, these animals will inspire your love and appreciation for the natural world we share. |
| 5:15pm-7:00pm |
Turn the Tide Featured Presentation (Part 1) Turn the Tide Featured Presentation will be hosted by Ocean Connections President, Shelley Ballmann. Enjoy our friends and animal ambassadors from Timbavati Wildlife Park as well as many other surprises you won't want to miss! The Featured Presentation will conclude with our live auction. |
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7:00pm-7:30pm |
Intermission Refresh your drinks, grab dessert, and start finalizing your Silent Auction bids as more exciting events await. The Silent Auction will end promptly at 7:30pm. |
| 7:30pm-8:00pm |
Turn the Tide Featured Presentation (Part 2) You won't want to miss a surprise guest appearance from a very unique animal ambassador. This inspirational second half of the presentation is sure to sink its claws into your heart. |
| 8:00pm-8:30pm |
Closing Activities Surprise items await you during the final activities of the evening. Bid high and bid often. It's all for conservation! |
| 8:30pm-9:30pm |
Returning Transportation Continuous shuttles will bring guests back to their vehicles after a night of putting the "fun" in fundraising! |
| MEET OUR SPECIAL GUESTS | |
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Shelley Ballmann Shelley Ballmann is a conservation leader and expert in marine mammal behavior, training, and welfare. Shelley has dedicated herself to providing a sanctuary where both animals born within human care and rescued seals and sea lions educate diverse audiences on the challenges animals face in today's world. With a personal passion for conservation education, Shelley is committed to the impact connecting people to nature has on influencing positive change for our world. In partnership with coastal rescue centers and local educational institutions, it is Shelley's goal to create a community of conservation. |
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Special Guests: Timbavati Wildlife Park This year Ocean Connections has partnered with Timbavati Wildlife Park to bring you an amazing animal experience. Located in the Wisconsin Dells, Timbavati offers family friendly, immersive experiences in a beautiful environment. They are home to over 400 animals that represent over 75 different species. Learn more about them by visiting: https://timbavatiwildlifepark.com/
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FEATURED ARTWORK by Stephen Fishwick World-renowned and beloved artist, Stephen Fishwick, creates conservation masterpieces. His ability to incorporate color, movement, and sound into each of his paintings creates an aesthetic style all of his own. Stephen Fishwick infuses every original creation with the passion that drives his art and performances. Vibrant and unique prints are yours to take home and are sure to liven up any space you hang them. In a career that has spanned over two decades, Stephen has earned widespread acclaim, but what makes him most proud are his philanthropic endeavors that have raised over $1 million for different charities. He has also produced artwork for corporate America, with professional clients that include That National Football League, Microsoft, Apple, Coca-Cola, Disney, Anheuser-Busch, the San Diego Padres, and National Geographic. Stephen has committed to conservation awareness through his paintings. His inspirations are inspiring! |
| YOUR SUPPORT DIRECTLY CONTRIBUTES TO: | |
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CARE • CONNECT • CONSERVE Ocean Connections is committed to providing exceptional care to all of our animal ambassadors. Our animal ambassadors all have unique stories and by connecting you to all of them, we can educate others about the troubles directly impacting these species and their habitats. This helps us to better serve their wild counterparts and conserve species for generations to come! Your contribution directly assists with:
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EDUCATIONAL REACH Education is at the heart of what we do. Our educational programming combines quality, STEAM+ based curriculum and quality time with our animal ambassadors. With our interactive and outreach programs continuing to evolve, Ocean Connections is in desperate need of updated equipment to increase the creation of hands-on learning opportunities that are available to diverse audiences. Your patronage will help further our commitment to providing quality science programming to the community by supplying funding for:
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| – CLICK TO PURCHASE TURN THE TIDE GALA TICKETS NOW! – |
Unable to join us? Please consider partnering as a Turn the Tide sponsor or making a donation to support our efforts! Each sponsorship level is accompanied by unique event benefits. To learn more or make a contribution visit us at www.oceanconnections.org/events
Special Thanks to our wonderful Turn the Tide Sponsors!


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