Do I need a ticket to attend?

Yes. A ticket is required for entry and proceeds support MEEC’s programs.

Is the event open to everyone?

Everybody is welcome, but the event has a 21+ age minimum and requires a ticket.

Where do proceeds go?

Proceeds from ticket sales go directly to the Marine Environmental Education Center (MEEC) to support marine conservation and education.

How long is the event and what is the group size?

The event runs approximately three hours and has a capacity that the organizer lists as up to 50 guests.

Will this ticket include access to the Hatchling Release on August 18?

The fundraiser supports the Hatchling Release Beach Batch on August 18, but this ticket does not automatically guarantee access; check with the organizers for release-specific passes.

Are accessibility details available?

Accessibility information was not provided in the listing; contact the event organizer (Professional Women in Yachting) for accommodations.

Rum for a Reason: Fort Lauderdale Fundraiser Supporting Marine Conservation

Fort Lauderdale, Florida sits where the Atlantic meets an active boating scene, and the Rum Bar Fundraiser brings that maritime energy indoors. Hosted by Professional Women in Yachting, this three-hour evening gathers marine professionals, advocates, and curious visitors to sip rum, sample small plates, and raise money for the Marine Environmental Education Center (MEEC). Proceeds support MEEC’s Hatchling Release Beach Batch — an organized release of sea turtle hatchlings scheduled for August 18 — so every cocktail carries a conservation purpose. The room is part social hour, part classroom and part fundraiser: a low-lit bar, polished rum bottles, and conversation that quickly turns from favorite distilleries to turtle-friendly lighting and beach stewardship. That mix is what makes this event a standout in Fort Lauderdale’s outdoor-recreation calendar. The city’s coastline — broad sandy beaches, shifting dune ridges, and the busy Intracoastal Waterway — is the real backdrop. The natural stars of the show are the loggerhead and green sea turtle hatchlings MEEC protects, and the event translates that offshore ecology into tangible support. Practical details are straightforward: the event runs about three hours, is open to everyone but requires a ticket, and has a 21+ age minimum. Expect a crowd drawn by yachting and marine industry ties; networking is as much a reason to attend as philanthropy. Bring a photo ID, a card for donations or auction items, and a light layer if the venue opens to the waterfront breeze. Why go beyond the free drink? This fundraiser connects attendees directly to conservation outcomes: funding for beach monitoring, public education, and hatchling releases. In a town defined by its marine economy, Professional Women in Yachting and MEEC bridge industry and stewardship — turning an evening out into a measurable impact on nesting beaches. You’ll leave with new contacts, a stronger sense of local conservation work, and possibly a ticket to the hatchling release itself. For photographers and storytellers, the juxtaposition is compelling: a convivial indoor scene keyed to outdoor action on the sand. The event is an efficient way to meet local experts, learn simple ways to reduce light pollution for nesting turtles, and contribute to programs that keep Fort Lauderdale’s shoreline healthy. Tickets and details are available via the event referral link; come for the rum, stay for the sea turtles. Plan to arrive early to secure a spot near the bar and to catch presentations from MEEC volunteers; these remarks often outline simple steps beachgoers can take to protect nests such as keeping lights dim, removing beach furniture at night, and reporting stranded or injured turtles to local authorities. If you can’t attend in person, consider supporting MEEC through donations, volunteer beach cleanups, or sharing outreach information with networks.

About Professional Women in Yachting

Professional Women in Yachting is a Fort Lauderdale-based organization that connects women across the recreational boating and yachting industries. It curates in-person events, hands-on boating courses, volunteer initiatives, and networking opportunities designed to build skills, leadership, and professional relationships within the yachting community.

Signature offerings include speed-networking nights like the Galentines event, skill-focused sessions in partnership with MarineMax through Women on Water courses, VIP cocktail gatherings at boat shows such as MIBS, and environmental volunteer projects including MIASF waterway cleanups. Events combine practical instruction from experienced captains, curated social settings for relationship-building, and tangible community impact through conservation activities.

Professional Women in Yachting partners with established industry organizations and brands to deliver safe, organized experiences. Events take place in South Florida venues and on-board vessels, offering hands-on practice and structured networking formats. Participation emphasizes accessibility—no prior experience is required for volunteer cleanups or introductory Women on Water sessions—and programs are positioned to support both recreational interest and professional development.

As an active presence in Fort Lauderdale and at major regional boat shows, the organization provides consistent, public-facing programming for women who want to learn boating skills, expand professional networks, or contribute to marine conservation. Information on schedules, partners, and event details is published through official channels and partner announcements to ensure transparency and reliable planning for attendees.

Attendees range from recreational boaters and aspiring captains to industry professionals and brand representatives, creating a multi-level network that supports career growth, mentorship, hands-on learning, and visible advancement opportunities across yachting sectors.