By Karisa Arterbury | Director of Operations + Development (volunteer)
Dear Ocean Blue Project Champion,
We didn't expect this…
Just weeks ago, Kathy Lynch of Green Matters surprised us with an incredible $11,000 grant to fund our 2026 East Coast CleanUp Tour-with a special focus on New Jersey beaches and developing the next generation of stewardship interns. Her generosity reminded us that when people believe in our mission, extraordinary things happen.
Now, we're asking: Will you join Kathy in making the unexpected possible?
This Giving Tuesday, we're launching our Save the Waves campaign with an ambitious goal: raise $200,000 by December 31st to power our work in 2026 and beyond. We've raised $11,398 so far, with an additional $25,000 pledged-leaving $163,602 to go and every $1 counts!
Why This Matters: Our 2025 Impact
This year alone, the Plastic Disaster Relief Program has achieved something remarkable. Since 2024, we've removed 2,125,717 pounds of debris from waterways nationwide-exceeding our pledged targets by over 164,000 pounds. Our lifetime total now stands at 3,293,344 pounds-the equivalent of more than 16 Space Shuttle orbiters, at least 11 blue whales, or approximately 132 school buses.
But we're not stopping there.
The Challenge Ahead
Our next ambitious goal is within reach: remove 5 million pounds of plastic and debris within the next year. That means we need to remove another 1.7 million pounds - and we need partners like you to make it happen.
Every pound of plastic we remove means:
We have just 32 days left to reach our $200,000 goal. With $163,602 still to raise and only $20,000 in matching funds available, every donation matters - and early donations matter most.
Kathy Lynch didn't expect to change the trajectory of our 2026 work when she made her gift. But she did. And today, you have the same opportunity.
Will you help us reach 5 million pounds and protect our waterways for generations to come? Your support isn't just removing plastic - it's removing barriers to a healthier planet. It's proving that when we come together, we can tackle even the most overwhelming environmental challenges.
Thank you for being part of this movement. Thank you for believing in the unexpected. And thank you for making 2026 our most impactful year yet.
With deep gratitude,
Karisa Arterbury
Ocean Blue Project
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