South Padre Islands' Sand Castle Days, Inc. Presents Checks to Local Non-profits

Sand Castle Days, Inc. today presented three $500-checks today to three local non-profit organizations whose programs are committed to educating the public on the conservation and environmental awareness of South Padre Island's coastal shores.

The donations come from proceeds raised at the Sand Castle Days event held Oct. 20-23 at the Sheraton South Padre Island Beach Hotel and Condominiums. The three groups each receiving a $500-check were Sea Turtle, Inc., The South Padre Island Dolphin Research and Nature Center and the Coastal Baywatch Foundation.

Presenting the checks was Sand Castle Days, Inc. Chairman Larry Murphy, general manager of the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort. Receiving the donations were Randy and Karen Rogers of the Coastal Baywatch Foundation; George and Scarlet Colley of the South Padre Island Dolphin Research and Nature Center; and Jeff George of Sea Turtle, Inc.

Sea Turtle, Inc. is a non-profit sea turtle rescue center founded in 1977 by Ila Loetscher, the Turtle Lady of South Padre Island, according to its Web site. Educational presentations are available at the center. The center is located at 6617 Padre Boulevard.

The South Padre Island Dolphin Research and Nature Center has two live-touch marine tanks where visitors can get acquainted with the local marine life, according to its Web site. The center's owners hope to add a shark tank. A viewing room is also available for visitors to watch marine and wildlife films and slides. The center is located at 105 W. Pompano St.
The Coastal Baywatch Foundation works diligently to "restore and maintain the natural beauty and balance of the Lower Laguna Madre in order to protect its vast and varied inhabitants by preserving water quality," according to its Web site.

Sand Castle Days is a not-for-profit annual event that showcases the unique art form of sand sculpture with the help of amateurs and professionals whose talents make the sand come to life. For more information about the event, call 1-800-SOPADRE or visit the event's Web site at www.sandcastledays.com.