Charity plans gala

The Ft. Lauderdale-based marine charity Marine Industry Cares Foundation is holding its second annual Chairman’s Gala on Jan. 28.The black-tie, masquerade-themed casino night is a fundraiser to support the charity’s summer marine camp programs for middle and high school students.

The MICF Marine Immersion Summer Camp started in 2015 as a two-week program introducing students to the marine industry through field trips to local businesses, camp visits by industry professionals, and hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) projects.

The projects included a boat propeller design and race challenge, and an ROV-build challenge run under the guidance of both industry professionals and local engineering teachers. In 2016, the camp expanded to two schools. The goal is to continue growing to reach more kids.

The gala also will honor several individuals and organizations who contributed to the foundation and/or the community over the past year.

The gala will be held at the Gallery of Amazing Things in Dania Beach. For tickets and other information, visit MarineIndustryCares.org.