Turtle Tide Triumph: Edisto’s 3rd Annual Art Auction Breaks Record at over $97,000!

This past Saturday, October 12th, the Edisto Chamber of Commerce hosted its third annual Turtle Tide Art Auction, alongside the lively Edisto Fall Festival. The storm clouds from earlier in the week had parted, leaving behind a perfect sunny day with cool breezes—ideal conditions for a festival filled with music, art, and a dash of competitive bidding.

The Turtle Tide Art Auction has quickly become a beloved tradition, and this year it shattered expectations yet again, raising a whopping $97,400, surpassing last year’s total by $400. The auction coincided with the Edisto Fall Festival, which buzzed with vibrant vendors, live performances by Edisto Gumbo, and an undeniable sense of community spirit.

Since its inception, the Turtle Tide Art Project has captivated Edisto, bringing together community businesses, local artists, non-profits, and visitors while also providing an educational component around sea turtle conservation. Each turtle sculpture—beautifully crafted and painted by talented artists—was sponsored at $1,500. The entire auction proceeds benefited the non-profits linked to each unique turtle, making every bid count toward a good cause.

The auction kicked off at 2:30pm, with Peter Beck, a local business owner, returning as the enthusiastic auctioneer. Chamber Director Chelsea Harrison and volunteer Amy Stephens introduced each turtle, along with the sponsor and artist, followed by representatives from the benefiting non-profits, who shared their missions and the impact of the donations.

Bidding was fierce! The first turtle, “Edisto’s Mr. Rick,” set the stage, selling for $7,100. But the showstopper of the day was “Hephzibah,” a stunningly realistic turtle created by local artists Susalee Lamb and Ginger Sanders. The first bid came in at an impressive $10,000, and after a thrilling bidding war, “Hephzi” fetched a record-breaking $16,000—the highest bid for any turtle in the event’s history!

“Hephzi” fetched a record-breaking $16,000—the highest bid for any turtle in the event’s history!

The excitement didn’t stop there. Throughout the afternoon, turtles were auctioned off for amounts ranging between $8,000 and $11,000. The final turtle, “Sea-Note,” sold for $8,000, bringing the total to $96,300—just shy of last year’s mark. But in a heartwarming twist, a first-time visitor to Edisto named Vince May, moved by the energy of the auction, made a last-minute donation that pushed the total to $97,400, setting a new record.

The success of this year’s auction is a testament to the generosity of Edisto’s community, the dedication of volunteers, and the creativity of the artists involved. It was truly a day to remember, filled with art, philanthropy, and the undeniable power of people coming together for a good cause.

Thank you to everyone who made the 2024 Turtle Tide Art Auction an unforgettable success! We look forward to next year’s event and hope to keep the tide of generosity flowing.

Project Sponsors:

In total the day was a success! $97,400 was raised across ten local non-profits. Here’s more information on all the turtles and how much they raised:

Edisto’s Mr. Rick pictured with artist Ginger Graham Varner with winning bidders, Sue & Chris Shepherd. Edisto’s Mr. Rick was sponsored by The Waters Edge Café in Wyndham Ocean Ridge resort and went to benefit the Edisto Island Historic Preservation Society.
Winning bidders, Mary & Carlisle Holler, with Fern. Fern was sponsored by Edisto Bike Rentals, painted by Caroline Eynon, and went to benefit the Young Naturalists.
Winning bidder Mary Miller with her turtle, Hephzibah, alongside artists Ginger Sanders and Susalee Lamb. Hephzibah was sponsored by the Edisto Art Guild went to benefit the Edisto Art Guild.
#WhoYouWhit Benefit sponsors, Elisabeth and Carter Nelson, and winning bidders Janet & Paul Oakley with their new turtle Nigel. Nigel was painted by artist Elysia C. Yelton to benefit the #WhoYouWhit Benefit.
Ecco with her new parents, Vance & Lisa Miller, and artist Tom McElroy. Ecco was sponsored by The “COWPENS” neighborhood and went to benefit the Lowcountry Food Bank.
Nubz with new owners Tripp and Tina Rice, and artist Elysia C. Yelton. Nubz was also sponsored by AOPI Orthotics & Prosthetics, Inc.(Tripp and Tina Rice) to benefit the Edisto Island Preservation Alliance.
Winning bidder Kenny Austin with his new turtle Ridley. Ridley was sponsored by Internal Medicine of Edisto, painted by Melissa Rinaldi of Go Coastal Studio, and went to benefit the Edisto Island Community Clinic.
ELCee with her new family Ned & Elizabeth Maner and son, turtle tide volunteer Cubby Huffines, artist Sarah Wannamaker along with FRESPACE member Mick Royston. ELCee was sponsored by FRESPACE who is also the beneficiary.
Edisto’s Miss Caretta with her new owner Tammy Sigman and artist Gerry McElroy. Miss Caretta was sponsored by Andy Cook CPA to benefit Edisto Island Youth Recreation.
Sea-Note with her artist Kimberly Walters, new owner Peter Zvejnieks, Enterprise Bank CEO Don Snipes and Branch Manager Amy Stephens, with local bank employees. Sea-Note was sponsored by the Enterprise Bank of SC and goes to benefit the Edisto Island Open Land Trust.