Paint-and-Sip Fundraiser Benefitting Big Blue & You, a Local South Florida Organization Connecting Youth to STEAM Opportunities
Who has the best chance of making a change when it comes to our climate and future?
Our YOUTH!
When we invest in our children, we invest in the future, we invest in healthier communities.
I personally love working with children when it comes to gardening and environmental education, anytime I’ve had the chance.
That’s why I’m extremely excited to partner with an incredible local organization, Big Blue & You, for my first-ever gogreenwithalexa event and fundraiser!
Join us on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 3-6 PM in Fort Lauderdale at the LauderAle Brewery & Taproom for a paint-and-sip afternoon - for more details keep reading or visit this link to register!
Who is Big Blue & You?
Big Blue & You is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by a mother-daughter duo in 2008.
It all started when Danni (daughter) won first place in Roxy’s “Follow Your Heart Tour” competition, earning a $10,000 seed fund, which helped launch Big Blue & You.
From their website: The organization was born out of a dream to make marine science more accessible, especially for youth in underrepresented communities.
Actually, Big Blue & You was the first ocean conservation organization started by African American women!
Big Blue & You is dedicated to inspiring and educating the next generation of ocean stewards through the power of art, science, and media.
Their work is centered around youth empowerment, community connection, and ocean advocacy.
They have a small but mighty team grounded in youth-driven impact, diverse leadership, and a deep commitment to empowering the next generation, especially young people of color.
Big Blue & You offers various programs like Big Blue & You Crew, which is open for those 13-24 years old, and is a community of scuba divers, students, authors, and activists, of worldwide advocates who are passionate about inspiring others to protect the sea.
They have also partnered with Debris Free Oceans, Ocean Conservancy, and Miami-Dade County’s Plastic Free 305, which empowers students at South Florida schools to protect the ocean by advocating for a shift away from single-use plastic.
Sea Youth Rise Up (SYRUP) launched in 2016 as a collaborative effort founded by Big Blue & You, the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit, and The Ocean Project.
This youth-led initiative brings together passionate young ocean advocates from across the country to directly advocate for ocean policy, elevate their voices, and grow as changemakers.
I’m incredibly grateful to Big Blue & You for reaching out to me to feature one of their events (Art by the Sea) in my March Eco Events post when I realized they’re just the organization I would be honored to partner with!
Paint-and-Sip on March 15
I’m incredibly proud and excited to host my first-ever Gogreenwithalexa event alongside The Spotlight Project and Conscious Content Clips to support Big Blue & You!
This will be a relaxed event where we enjoy being creative, the community, and chatting about conservation, sustainability, gardening, hobbies, all the things you probably love if you’re reading this.
WHAT: You know Painting with a Twist? We’re doing that to benefit Big Blue & You!
WHEN: Sunday, March 15, from 3-6 PM
WHERE: LauderAle Brewery 3305 SE 14th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
WHY: Celebrating gogreenwithalexa’s birthday while we create, sip, and enjoy the afternoon!
REGISTER: Register for the paint-and-sip here!
Allison Ragle, one-half of The Spotlight Project as well as a local artist and conservationist, will be leading us in the painting session.
The ticket costs $40 through Eventbrite, and includes the following:
One beer (or beverage for under 21 and those looking for non-alcoholic options)
2-hour painting class taught by local artist, Allison Ragle
Canvas
Brushes
Paint
An ocean conservation-themed masterpiece created by you!
Support for Big Blue & You to run youth programs
Let’s hang out together IRL, paint, and be in community while we contribute to a great cause!
March is my birthday month, so what better way to get together for it than to give back to our local community and make something?
Register for the paint-and-sip here!
Art by the Sea on March 22
After you join us for the paint-and-sip event on March 15… You can continue your ocean conservation community efforts at Big Blue & You’s Art by the Sea event!
On the following Sunday, March 22nd, Big Blue & You will be hosting Art by the Sea to celebrate World Water Day by the sea at their FREE, family-friendly community festival celebrating ocean conservation through art, science, and media.
WHEN: Sunday, March 22, from 11 am - 4 pm
WHERE: Miami Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL
REGISTER: FREE, family-friendly event - register here!
Art by the Sea brings together a dynamic mix of artists, scientists, educators, performers, and community organizations, each offering a unique way to experience and learn about the ocean, including:
Creative art stations with take-home projects and collaborative installations
Hands-on ocean science & environmental learning led by local experts
Family-centered activities designed for youth of all ages
Live music, stage performances, and storytelling
Wellness and recreational experiences by the ocean & in the water
First launched in 2011, Art by the Sea annually engages more than 3,000 children and their family members, supported by up to 100 volunteers and 40 community partner organizations and businesses.
For many young attendees, even those raised in Miami or South Florida, this is their first chance to experience the ocean up close.
It’s so beautiful that Big Blue & You creates this opportunity for the youth in the local community.
They have been holding Art by the Sea since 2011!
Support South Florida Youth
Children are the future – each one plays an important role as a citizen of the world.
It’s up to us to invest in youth and ensure their future is bright (and the environment is protected).
Consider coming out for the Paint-and-Sip fundraiser on Sunday, March 15.
I would love to meet more people in the community who care about these important topics while we have a great time at LauderAle Brewery!
