Silver Linings, a sterling silver and gemstone jewelry store with locations in St. Michaels and Easton, donated over $4,000 to the Horn Point Laboratory Oyster Hatchery in Cambridge Maryland. The contribution was generated by sales of the silver sterling and 14k Oyster & Crab Pendant from April through October.
As one of the largest oyster hatcheries on the East Coast, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Horn Point Laboratory Oyster Hatchery produces oyster larvae to be used for research, restoration, and educational projects. As a result of the hatchery’s spawning efforts, over 3.5 billion oyster spat (essentially “baby oysters”) have been deployed to the Chesapeake Bay over the last decade.
“We were overwhelmed and thrilled by the community’s response to this initiative,” commented Aida Leisure, owner of Silver Linings. Our customers were excited to have a way to support the real-life inspiration for this beautiful piece of jewelry.”
Oysters are crucial to the health and cleanliness of the Chesapeake Bay. These filter feeders serve as “vacuum cleaners” for the Bay’s entire aquatic ecosystem — a single oyster can filter over 50 gallons of water per day. The abundance of oysters in local bodies of water is important to both the ecological and economic systems we rely on. Crassostrea virginica (the Eastern Oyster) is native to the Bay. Each year, Horn Point Oyster Hatchery begins spawning these oysters in April.
“The donation received from Silver Linings will directly benefit our ability to produce more spat for the upcoming spawning season,” says Stephanie Alexander, Oyster Hatchery manager. “The Silver Linings recent Oyster & Crab Pendant campaign definitely raised awareness as to the importance of the oyster to support a healthy Chesapeake Bay.”
For more information about the Horn Point Laboratory Oyster Hatchery, visit www.hpl.umces.edu/hatchery. The Oyster & Crab Pendant or Pin/Pendant may be purchased at one of Silver Linings’ retail stores or online at www.silverliningsmd.com.
About Silver Linings
Silver Linings captures the essence of fun and fashion with innovative jewelry designs in sterling silver and gemstones. From internationally recognized designers to trendy collectible lines like Chamilia and Kameleon, Silver Linings has something for everyone. Customers can shop online or visit one of the retail locations in St. Michaels or Easton, MD. Recently named “Best Silver Jewelry Store on the Eastern Shore,” Silver Linings is committed to supporting local non-profits through events and fundraisers. Aida Leisure, owner, was named the 2011 Talbot County Chamber of Commerce’s Business Woman of the Year. Learn more at http://www.silverliningsmd.com/ or contact Aida Leisure at 410.745.2626 or dbsjewel@verizon.net.