More than 55 Longboat Key Turtle Watch members gathered at the Longboat Key Club on Aug. 1 to honor founder Freda Perrotta.
The invitation was extended from normal members to some of Perrotta's closest friends.
"We pulled off the surprise, which was fun for everyone," Turtle Watch Vice President Cyndi Seamon said. "Of course, a few funny stories too."
In Perrotta's honor the Turtle Watch established a Freda Perrotta grant to the Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program of Mote Marine Laboratory. The organization presented a $1,000 check to Mote.
"It was a very special morning for volunteers to be able to express our appreciation to Freda and know that more donations will be going back to Mote Marine Laboratory," Seamon said.
