Jawesome Ink: Celebrating Sharks in Body Art Culture at the MISS Benefit Bash!
By Safina Center Fellow Jasmin Graham
Get ready for an unforgettable night of celebration, culture, and giving back! On January 7th, 2025, we’re hosting the Jawesome Ink MISS Benefit Bash at the world-renowned Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. This year's event will be a spectacular celebration of sharks and their deep cultural influence on body art and traditions throughout history. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to our cause, we invite you to join us for a night full of exciting festivities, incredible food, and a chance to make a lasting impact on our community’s future.
A Night to Remember
The MISS Benefit Bash is the biggest fundraiser of the year for our organization, and this year, we’re going all out! Hosted at one of the most iconic venues in the country, the Georgia Aquarium, attendees will be surrounded by breathtaking aquatic views as they enjoy a carefully curated evening of food, entertainment, and culture. It’s a night where supporters come together to honor the incredible work we do, raise funds for vital programs, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
What’s in Store for You?
We are thrilled to announce that this year’s event will feature a wide array of activities and entertainment. Here's a sneak peek of what you can expect:
Incredible Food: Wolfgang Puck Catering, created by the legendary celebrity chef, will cater the event, providing delicious gourmet food throughout the evening. Your taste buds are in for a treat.
Tattoo Contest & Body Art Gallery: This year, we’re paying tribute to the profound impact that sharks have had on body art and cultures throughout history. Our tattoo contest will showcase the creativity and artistry of local tattoo artists, with shark-inspired designs taking center stage. Additionally, the body art gallery will feature incredible works of tattoo art that reflect the bond between sharks and body art traditions. The gallery will also feature an exhibition on the history of sharks in body art.
A Special Performance: We are excited to announce a special Polynesian dance troop performance from Mahealani's Polynesian Entertainment, honoring the rich cultural significance of sharks in Polynesian tradition. The vibrant costumes, mesmerizing dances, and powerful storytelling will transport you to another world.
Tribute to Dr. Brian Davis: This year, we will honor the memory of Dr. Brian Davis, the late former president of the Georgia Aquarium, whose legacy and unwavering support for MISS have been instrumental in the success of our organization. Dr. Davis was a champion of marine life, and his commitment to preserving and celebrating these creatures lives on in the work we continue to do today.
Keynote Speaker: We’re also excited to have a keynote speaker who will take the stage to discuss the importance of sharks in both culture and conservation. This inspiring speech will offer a unique perspective on the role these magnificent creatures play in our oceans and in our lives.
Raffle and Auction: In true fundraising fashion, we’ll also have a raffle and an auction filled with amazing prizes. Don’t miss your chance to win one-of-a-kind items, experiences, and more—all while supporting our vital programs.
Drinks and Fun Surprises: Of course, no celebration is complete without drinks and surprises! Enjoy delicious beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages, and an extra special surprise we’ve been keeping under wraps. Trust us—you won’t want to miss it!
Make an Impact: Become a Sponsor
The MISS Benefit Bash is a fantastic opportunity to not only have a great time but also to help raise funds for our essential programs. We rely on the generosity of our sponsors to make this event a success. If you’re interested in supporting our cause and joining us for this unforgettable evening, we have several sponsorship tiers available, each offering unique benefits.
Plant Sponsorship - $500
Show your support with a plant sponsorship! You’ll receive recognition through logos on printed materials and social media shoutouts, letting everyone know that you’re a part of this amazing cause.
Herbivore Sponsorship - $1,000
As an Herbivore Sponsor, you’ll enjoy special recognition during the Benefit Bash. Your brand will also be featured on tables throughout the event, making sure all eyes are on your support of our cause.
Mid-Level Carnivore Sponsorship - $2,500
For those looking to make an even bigger impact, the Mid-Level Carnivore Sponsorship gives you designated space or a table to showcase your support. Representatives from your organization will have the opportunity to speak directly to guests, helping to raise awareness about your commitment to our cause.
Apex Predator Sponsorship - $5,000
The ultimate sponsorship opportunity, the Apex Predator tier offers incredible visibility at the event. Sponsors at this level will have five minutes to address the audience or share a video message during the opening of the Benefit Bash. This is a rare chance to connect with our attendees and showcase your support on a larger scale.
No matter which level you choose, your sponsorship will help us continue to support our programs and make a positive impact on marine conservation, education, and body art culture. Together, we can make a real difference!
Don’t Miss This Jawesome Night!
The MISS Benefit Bash is our biggest fundraising event of the year, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you all. It’s a night to get dressed up, enjoy delicious food, raise funds for an important cause, and most importantly—have fun! Whether you’re a long-time supporter of sharks or new to our community, we invite you to come together with us to raise awareness, honor those who have made a difference, and kick off our year in the most exciting way possible. We can’t wait to see you there!
How to Get Involved
Are you ready to join us for this unforgettable night? Whether you’re looking to purchase tickets, sponsor the event, or simply donate, we would love to have your support. To become a sponsor or for more information about the event, please feel free to reach out to us at execboard@misselasmo.org or click the link below for additional details.