CHARITIES

Each year NOS selects charities to fund. NOS has four major events yearly and monthly events to raise money. Donations are disbursed at the end of the season to our chosen charities. Our charities this year will be awarded at our Spring Luncheon or during the year.

NOS is raising funds for the following charities in the 2023- 2024 Season:

NOS Board has chosen Brevard Zoo/ Aquarium Legacy Project as our charity for the season. The aquarium and conservation campus will sit on 14 acres of shoreline on the Banana River at Port Canaveral, leveraging both the beauty and benefits of natural Florida while serving as a regional conservation hub emphasizing restoring the Indian River Lagoon and our Coastal ecosystems. It will educate and empower over half a million people a year on how to make a difference and inspire the next generation to become environmental stewards of our natural resources. The Aquarium will also generate significant funding for habitat restoration, species recovery, and scientific research throughout the Lagoon. This campaign is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a lasting impact on the families, ecosystems, and wildlife who call Florida Home. The Goal for the Project is 100 million, which is 85 towards the Project and 15 to continue the zoo’s growth.

Numerous Programs will be provided.

  • Lagoon Quest – 4th graders participating in the 4-day Lagoon,
  • Teacher/curriculum-driven program.
  • Head Start-free memberships for families /reduced rate after leaving Head Start
  • High School programs-collaborative research programs for sophomores concerning seagrass: Cocoa High School – earn learning certificate in water quality, marine science, and biology.
  • Dr. Dwayne Defrees Conservation Hub at Aquarium – 1st floor free, open to public- science is driven to improve lagoons, quality of life, and safe refuge for wildlife. Students will use it for hands-on research and lagoon studies.
  • Economic impact – 100 to 150 positions with the ripple effect of 900 jobs locally. Volunteer positions will be available.
  • October 1st., 2024, is the target date to break ground on Aquarium. We hope to open in early 2027—location of Aquarium – Off exit 54B, King George Blvd. at Port Canaveral.
  • 501(c)3 Nonprofit

NOS hopes to contribute $10,000 to this Project. The remaining money will be donated to Charities chosen from the Membership and Board during the year.