Lyn and Daniel Lerner, Anna Marie and John E. Thron, and the Harold Alfond Foundation became the latest three “founders” of Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences.

Their significant charitable gifts support research that is advancing what is known about the global ocean, how it works, and the important role marine microbes play in maintaining planetary balance. These contributions bring the total number of “founders” to 15.

Bigelow Laboratory’s Founders Campaign is limited to the first 20 donors who provide unrestricted support of $250,000 or more to the laboratory. The campaign was launched in 2010 to support the laboratory’s expanding operations and implementation of its strategic plan as it opened its new campus in East Boothbay in 2012.

“We are very grateful for the support of the Lerners, Throns and the Alfond Foundation,” said Laboratory Executive Director Graham Shimmield. “As founders, they are making it possible for us to carry on research that is critical at this time of ongoing global changes.

"Their support of the laboratory has the ancillary benefit of investing in local communities, as our staff lives, works, shops, and contributes to the fabric of the Boothbay peninsula and region."

Founders will be prominently identified and their support recognized with a permanent display at the new campus. More information about the Founders Campaign is available by calling Dana Wilson at 207-315-2567, ext. 112.