ClearShark H2O Seeks To Inspire Environmental Stewardship In Young People

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It’s been nearly two years since Martin and Nichole Bentz set out to establish ClearShark H2O as an official nonprofit charitable organization. But after a long journey to form a board of directors, develop their bylaws, create operating agreements and provide their documentation to the IRS, the Bentzes in 2016 achieved official 501 (c)(3) status. Now the husband-and-wife team look forward to furthering their newly formed nonprofit’s mission of promoting environmental stewardship among the community — particularly young people — through educational and engagement programs, as well as support for likeminded organizations.

“We’re really trying to regain an interest in being outdoors and being on the water,” said Nichole, who serves as the executive director. “There’s a lot of time spent indoors with kids these days … but let’s not forget about our environment and how that’s important.”

The idea for ClearShark H2O began back in 2013 when Nichole left a full-time job to raise their son. She knew she wanted a project to focus on, and both she and Martin had long been dedicated philanthropists, so the next step, it seemed, was for them to establish their own charitable organization. They created ClearShark Charitable Foundation in partnership with ClearShark, Martin’s IT company he founded in 2001. Nichole explained that they established the trade name ClearShark H2O so that as they add causes in the future — such as youth sports or medical research — they will be able to add trade names under the umbrella foundation.

Having both grown up living on the water, Martin and Nichole hold environmental stewardship as a cause near and dear to their hearts. “A lot of folks we grew up with here in Pasadena, they’re exposed to the water and they understand it,” Martin said. “They understand the benefits and all the joys that come with it. We want to reach those folks not so far away from here who have maybe never been out on a boat.”

The Bentzes hope that by helping children and their parents grasp the beauty of the watershed, they will encourage the community to be good environmental stewards. In addition to fundraising and donating, ClearShark H2O provides programs that will give people hands-on interaction with nature. “The educational component of what we’re doing is the largest thing we’re doing right now,” explained Nichole.

ClearShark H2O’s educational programs have reached public schools in Anne Arundel County as well as Baltimore County. ClearShark H2O has partnered with the Oyster Recovery Partnership to coin a curriculum with in-school presentations and field trips so students can get first-hand practical experience with such activities as beach clean-ups or visiting oyster sanctuaries. ClearShark H2O also aims to give kids the opportunity to participate in watersports such as kayaking, boating and fishing.

Although ClearShark H2O has only a three-member board of directors — comprising the Bentzes and their good friend Mike Hatcher, a managing partner of the Pasadena Yacht Yard, which the Bentzes also own and operate — the trio has made a great impact in the community already, both in terms of raising funds and spreading a message. Nichole cited that they grew from no sponsors in 2014 to 11 sponsors the following year. “That doesn’t sound like a huge number, but it was huge for us,” she said.

They have also watched their annual fundraiser brunch grow more popular with each year. This year, to accommodate a larger expected crowd, they have decided to move the brunch from the fall to the winter, to be held on February 26 at Two Rivers Steak & Fish House.

As they reflect on the accomplishments they’ve made in the past two years, the Bentzes are eager to see where ClearShark H2O goes in the future. “It’s a young organization and we’re trying to figure it out,” Martin said. “We’ll do whatever we need to do, and we’re making it happen.”

Those who want to learn more about ClearShark H2O can follow the organization on Facebook and Instagram. Although the website — www.clearsharkh2o.com — is under renovation, the page will be ready for viewership come October. In the meantime, contact Nichole directly at info@clearsharkh2o.com.

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