Float the Boat

Float the Boat 2026

‘Stewards of Tomorrow’

Cranes and Clouds $20,000
Recognition will be top billing on printed and digital materials (website, posters, invitations, press releases, social media, newsletters, ticket registration, and online auction pages) with logo and/or name; Verbal recognition at each event with banner over the stage; and three reserved tables on chosen evening.

Ocean Going Whale $15,000
Recognition on printed and digital materials (website, posters, invitations, press releases, social media, newsletters, ticket registration, and online auction pages) with logo and/or name; Verbal recognition at each event with banner over the bar; and two reserved tables on chosen evening.

Coastal & Marine Stewards $7,500
Recognition on printed and digital materials (website, posters, invitations, press releases, social media, newsletters, ticket registration, and online auction pages) with logo and/or name; Verbal recognition at each event with banner over the buffet tables; and one reserved table on chosen evening.

Island Conservationist $5,000
Recognition on printed and digital materials (website, posters, invitations, press releases, social media, newsletters, ticket registration, and online auction pages) with logo and/or name; Verbal recognition at each event with banner over the check-in table; and one reserved table on chosen evening.

Marine Scientist $2,500
Recognition on printed and digital materials (website, posters, invitations, press releases, social media, newsletters, ticket registration, and online auction pages) with logo and/or name; banner over the dance floor, Verbal recognition at each event; and one reserved table on chosen evening.

Nature Artist $1,500
Recognition on printed and digital materials (website, invitations, press releases, social media and newsletter, ticket registration, and online auction pages) with logo and/or name; Verbal recognition at each event; and four reserved seats on chosen evening.

Wildflowers $750
Recognition on printed and digital materials (website, invitations, press releases, social media and newsletter, ticket registration, and online auction pages) with logo and/or name; Verbal recognition at each event; and two reserved seats on chosen evening.

Friends $500
For those who cannot attend but want to be there in spirit, Recognition on printed and digital materials (website, press releases, invitations, social media and newsletter, ticket registration, and online auction pages) with logo and/or name. NOTE:  This sponsorship does not come with tickets.

Value of Individual Tickets $185

Online Auction

Today, we invite you to support Float the Boat by becoming a donor for the online auction which will take place from November 12 – November 23. As an online auction donor, your contribution will directly benefit the wildlife that depends upon our region’s natural resources and wild places as well as help conserve more land. Proceeds from the online auction are a significant portion of Float the Boat’s revenue, and we deeply appreciate every donation. Please become our partner by returning the attached auction form by October 14. You and/or your business will gain invaluable recognition through the online auction as we publish your logo, address, website link, auction item description, photos, and share on social media and in newsletters including numerous impressions on our online auction platform from November 12 -November 23.

Online Art Auction

As an online art auction donor, your contribution will directly benefit the wildlife that depends upon our region’s natural resources and wild places as well as help conserve more land.We hope that you will choose to contribute this year by sharing your artistic impression of this year’s theme ‘Stewards of Tomorrow’. For all 3-Dimensional media artwork, please consider a size no larger than 12” w x 12” d x 12” h, for ease of shipping and photography, and easier placement for the new owner. For flat artwork please consider 9” w x 12”h maximum (unframed).

Please become our partner by returning the auction artwork label by October 17.

November 14th Honoree, Johnny Smecca

“This year’s Float the Boat theme is ‘stewards of tomorrow” and we are so proud to announce this year’s honoree, Johnny Smecca. Johnny Smecca is a respected business leader, community advocate, and public servant, whose lifelong commitment to Galveston has helped shape the islands growth, resilience, and future.

As president of the Galveston Restaurant Group, Johnny has continued a family legacy rooted in hard work, entrepreneurship, and service. Building upon the foundation established by his Italian immigrant parents, who opened Mario Seawall Italian restaurant in 1973, he has helped grow a collection of locally owned restaurants that have become gathering places for residence and visitors alike. Through job creation, charitable giving and investment in the local economy, his work has contributed significantly to the vitality of Galveston.

Johnnys dedication to the community extends far beyond business. Following hurricane Ike Johnny served on the City of Galveston’s planning commission, helping guide redevelopment efforts during one of the most consequential periods in the island’s history. His work focused on balancing growth, historic preservation, environmental stewardship, and long-term resilience as Galveston rebuilt for future generations

A passionate believer in the power of education, Johnny has also devoted years of service to the Galveston Independent School District board of trustees, where he has served in leadership roles, including vice president. He has championed investments in students, educators, and school facilities, recognizing that strong schools are the foundation of a strong community.
In recognition of his commitment to Civic engagement in community enrichment, Johnny was honored with the 2023 Leonora Kempner Thompson Community Enrichment Award, Galveston’s most prestigious recognition for community service.

Whether leading a business, serving in public office, supporting local organizations, or advocating for educational excellence, Johnny approaches every endeavor with the belief that true leadership is measured not by what we accomplished for ourselves, but by what we leave behind for others. His vision, generosity, and dedication continue to make a lasting impact on Galveston and the generations who will call it home in the years ahead. His commitment to collaboration, education, and responsible land stewardship reflects a lasting investment in both the people and the places that make Galveston extraordinary.

November 21st Honoree, Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet, PhD, US Navy (ret)

Tim Gallaudet is an American oceanographer and currently serves as a strategic advisor for a variety of tech startups, research institutions, and philanthropies. He is a former Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA. Prior to NOAA, Gallaudet served for 32 years in the US Navy, completing his career in the Pentagon as the Navy’s chief oceanographer, meteorologist, hydrographer, navigator, and senior liaison officer to the NOAA Administrator. He has a bachelor’s degree from the U.S.  Naval Academy, and master and doctoral degrees from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, all in oceanography. Gallaudet is a fellow at The Explorer’s Club, a distinguished graduate of the University of California, San Diego, and recipient of the 2004 Commander, Naval Air Forces Leadership Award, the 2019 Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute’s Champion of the Ocean Award, and the U.S. Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award. His book about leading NOAA during President Trump’s first term is titled Holding Fast in Heavy Seas: Leadership For Turbulent Times is available at https://www.timgallaudet.com/ or any major bookseller.