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GECKO’S HOSPITALITY GROUP CONTINUES SUPPORT OF MOTE MARINE LABORATORY Sales of The Shark Lady philanthropic cocktail benefit Mote research Contact Name: Anne Rollings Contact Email: office@geckoshospitality.com Contact Phone Number: 9419213924 (courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory) On March 8th, owners Mike Gowan and Mike Quillen from Gecko’s Hospitality Group presented a check for over $13,000 to Dr. Michael P. Crosby, President & CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. The donation is part of a years-long partnership where Gecko’s provides proceeds from the sale of their ‘Shark Lady’ craft cocktail to support Mote’s globally impactful marine science research. GHG’s sales of ‘Shark Lady’ have now provided Mote with more than $30,000 to support its mission since the specialty drink was launched in 2018. Both aesthetically and palate pleasing, the aqua-blue cocktail is named after Mote’s Founding Director, Dr. Eugenie “Genie” Clark, who is popularly and affectionately known as ‘The Shark Lady’ because of her extensive research on sharks. Developed by Mike Ferrara, Gecko’s Director of Operations, the libation is a mix of rum, blue curacao, pineapple juice and sour mix. The partnership between Gecko’s and Mote goes back to 2018 when the region experienced an unusually persistent red tide bloom. Wanting to support the science-based red tide mitigation work being conducted at Mote, Anne Rollings, an executive with Gecko’s, came up with the concept as a way to create an ongoing source of financial support. “We wanted to offer our guests a fun and delicious way to support local and become more aware and appreciative of the globally-significant marine science research that our independent world-class laboratory conducts every day,” says Anne. “Just as Gecko’s is committed to using homegrown ingredients in many of their menu items, time and time again, they step up to demonstrate their commitment to bolstering homegrown non-profits that are making a difference for our region,” said Dr. Crosby, “and through this partnership our beloved “Shark Lady” continues to give back to Mote and our oceans.” The Shark Lady philanthropic cocktail was awarded Sarasota Magazine’s ‘Best Cocktail for a Cause' in 2019. The Florida Public Relations Association recognized The Shark Lady Philanthropic cocktail among outstanding public relations programs in Florida by awarding it the prestigious Golden Image Judges Award and the Award of Distinction.