Splash! 2026 - photo of a sea otter floating on its back amongst illustrated kelp and against an illustrated coral background.

Join us at Splash!

Table captain toolkit
June 5, 2026
Seattle Aquarium

Thank you, table captains!

By inviting others to be a part of this important event, table captains are crucial to the success of Splash!

Table captain role:

  • Bring others to join you at the dinner. Whether that’s two guests or 10, you’re making a huge difference.
  • Lead by example. Come in your best resort casual attire and let your guests see how much the Aquarium means to you.
  • Thank your guests for joining you and for their generosity. 
Whether your guests are new or longtime supporters, Splash! is the perfect opportunity to share your passion for the Aquarium. And regardless of how many people you bring, guests will be seated together as our community unites for this spectacular evening!
Attendees of the Seattle Aquarium's annual Splash fundraiser sitting at tables next to the Window on Washington Water habitat enjoying dinner during the evening's events.

Table captain timeline

February: Save the date

February 4—Save the date mailed to all Aquarium supporters.

March: Invitations mailed

March 13—Event website is live.
March 13—Formal invitation sent.

  • Make your list of potential guests.

April: Start inviting guests

 Email reminders sent throughout April.

  • Purchase your own tickets and invite your guests.
  • If you’re purchasing tickets for your guests, you can do that when purchasing your own. Guests not confirmed yet? Enter “TBD” for guest names.
  • If you’re inviting people to attend but not paying for their tickets, remind them to purchase tickets and make sure to let us know they’ll be sitting with you.

May: Finalize your attendees

  • Finalize your guest list and share information about Splash! with your networks.
  • By May 11, follow up with potential guests who haven’t responded.
  • By May 18, work with Aquarium staff to ensure your guests are registered. You can always contact splashgala@seattleaquarium.org with any questions.

June: Splash!

  • June 1: Send a reminder to your guests about Splash! and let them know what time you’ll be arriving.
  • June 5: Time to party! Enjoy the magic of the Aquarium and get ready to raise your paddle high.
Splash guests gathered in various groups outside on Pier 60 next to the harbor seal habitat. Some guests stand in the background while other guests sit on wooden benches in front of the harbor seal viewing windows. There are mountains and a sunset in the background, as guests socialize and enjoy the event.
Three women pose for a photo during the Seattle Aquarium's Splash annual fundraising event.
Guests at Splash in front of an architectural model of the Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion building, with the constructed Ocean Pavilion building in the background behind them being showcased to show how the building has become a reality.

Tips for success

  • Think about your entire network—including friends, family, coworkers and others you know who are passionate about the ocean.
  • Invite your guests, whether that’s in person, virtually or by snail mail. Make sure people know this is important to you and that you’d love them to be part of it.
  • Let guests know what to expect: Make sure everyone knows this is a fundraiser that includes a raise the paddle, and we hope everyone participates.
  • Confirm registration: Ensure everyone who says they’re going to attend has a ticket—purchased by you or them. Reach out to splashgala@seattleaquarium.org if you have questions.
  • Emphasize how everyone can participate: We hope everyone can join us in person. For those who can’t, please encourage them to make a gift online in support of the Seattle Aquarium.
  • Thank everyone: After the event, make sure to say thanks to everyone who attended and everyone who gave—and that you hope to see them at Splash next year!

Splash table host contact

Jason Puz
j.puz@seattleaquarium.org
(206) 693-6110

Thank you!
The Seattle Aquarium's Pier 59 and Ocean Pavilion Buildings viewed from Alaskan Way with plants in the foreground.
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