Grassy Key…On Sunday, January 8th, Dolphin Research Center (DRC) will welcome more than 30 military veterans to enjoy a Dolphin Encounter dolphin swim, free of charge for the annual Charles Evans Day for the Wounded Warrior Project. The experience is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Charles Evans Foundation. The group is expected to arrive at DRC at 9:00 a.m. Members of the public are invited to join staff and volunteers as they line up to give a heroes’ welcome to the participants. Admission to DRC is free for current members. Other visitors may pay general admission or become members with their donations when they get to DRC.
This is the eighth consecutive year that the Wounded Warrior Project has brought their Soldier Ride adaptive cycling event participants to the nonprofit marine mammal facility. These men and women are coping with life-altering injuries to body, mind and spirit, including amputations, burns, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder. To watch them leave their troubles behind on land for a joyful time swimming with dolphins inspires all who see the experience. For many of the participants, the dolphin swim further empowers them as they courageously battle the physical and psychological damages of war.
The Charles Evans Day for the Wounded Warrior Project at Dolphin Research Center is truly a community event. Before the Dolphin Encounter, they will enjoy a delicious breakfast from La Trattoria, Key West. Captain Hook’s Dive Shop, Marathon, loans wetsuits and life vests. After the swim, the soldiers also receive complimentary photos and a sterling silver replica charm of Jax the dolphin’s tail flukes, designed by Custom Tails jewelry and provided for them by a generous DRC donor.
Dolphin Research Center is committed to supporting veterans and active duty personnel from all branches of the United States military. Throughout the year, the organization provides programs, not only for the wounded warriors, but also for caregivers of the injured, family of active duty personnel, and families who have lost a loved one serving in the war.
Founded in 1984, Dolphin Research Center is home to a family of dolphins and California sea lions. Located at 58901 (mile marker 59) Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, Florida, the center is open daily for the public to see narrated behavior sessions and educational presentations, and to participate in interactive programs with the dolphins. The nonprofit organization is funded by admission and program fees as well as by private donors and members. In addition to being one of the most highly respected education and research facilities in the world, DRC is the Licensed Manatee Rescue Team for the Florida Keys and is an accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. For more information, visit the center’s website at www.dolphins.org.
