In the spirit of community and environmental stewardship, Collins Park Beach saw an assembly of hearts and minds converge for the Miami Beach Cupid Splash on February 16. Supporters braved the cooler waters, with the event successfully raising $42,007.26, which Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava described as a testament to local dedication for the well-being of Biscayne Bay. "The Cupid Splash is a powerful reminder of the heart and dedication our residents have for protecting and restoring Biscayne Bay," Cava stated in a press release. The fundraiser's proceeds are now aiding four local nonprofits in their efforts to revitalize the Bay's ecosystem.
The event, orchestrated by Miami Beach resident Bruce Berman, mirrors his former Boston "Save the Harbor" initiative, working towards a similar goal of environmental preservation. "Here in Miami, just like in Boston, clean water and a healthy marine environment are core family values," Berman told Miami-Dade.gov. The beneficiaries of this year's Cupid Splash, having already laid plans for next year's event, include organizations committed to grassroots cleanups and marine education such as VolunteerCleanUp.org, Clean Miami Beach, Blue Scholars Initiative, and Ripples of Impact. After planning the event, a County-wide movement emerged thanks to VolunteerCleanUp.org that has orchestrated over 3,000 cleanups and the removal of vast amounts of trash.
Specifically, VolunteerCleanUp.org has utilized its platform to connect volunteers with cleanup organizers, leading to the removal of more than 600,000 pounds of trash from Miami-Dade County's natural habitats. Clean Miami Beach has also been instrumental, collecting over 120,000 pounds of trash with the help of its extensive volunteer network. The Blue Scholars Initiative and Ripples of Impact are focusing on education and aquatic safety, respectively, nurturing a new generation of eco-conscious citizens and ensuring the future guardians of Biscayne Bay are well-equipped with knowledge and life-saving skills.
The shared endeavor toward a healthier Biscayne Bay is further supported by The Miami Foundation, whose President and CEO, Rebecca Fishman Lipsey, praised the community's civic leadership in a statement. "This is exactly the kind of civic leadership we love to see from Miamians - identifying issues that matter like protecting Biscayne Bay, and mobilizing others to join in. Cupid Splash was a blast, and it brought serious resources to organizations that protect our Bay," she articulated. Echoing the communal effort, details regarding year-round support for Biscayne Bay can be found on The Miami Foundation's website, including information on the Protect Biscayne Bay license plate, as noted by Miami-Dade.gov.
