CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Phillips 66’s $25,000 sponsorship of the Harte Research Institute’s (HRI) Beachcombing program at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will culminate this fall with a public community event on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Michael J. Ellis Beach and Seawall in Corpus Christi.

The event invites the whole family to turn a Saturday morning into a beach treasure hunt, combing the shoreline toward  the jetty in search of shells, sea glass, and whatever else the tide has washed in, all while keeping an eye out for the sea  turtles that frequently turn up along this stretch of coast. Free bags will be on hand for anyone who wants to turn their stroll into a cleanup, giving guests a hands-on way to protect the beaches they love while taking home a good story and  maybe a hidden gem, to show for it.  

The free event marks a key milestone in Phillips 66’s support of the Beachcombing program, announced in July when the company became the program’s first corporate sponsor. The partnership aligns with Phillips 66’s philanthropic initiatives for environmental and educational equity and its ongoing commitment to the communities where its employees live and work.  

“The beach is a place where families make memories, and this event gives people a chance to enjoy the coast while giving back to it,” said Jessica Follett, Regional Public Affairs Advisor at Phillips 66. “Phillips 66 is proud to partner with the Harte Research Institute to support a fun, family-friendly experience that encourages everyone to play a role in keeping our beaches healthy and beautiful.” 

Guests can browse display tables featuring items that commonly wash ashore, along with giveaway tables offering  Beachcombing T-shirts, posters, sea beans and other coastal curiosities. Jace Tunnell, HRI Director of Community Engagement, will lead a short presentation on Beachcombing and the marine debris that wash ashore onto Texas beaches, followed by a question-and-answer session. 

“Every time you walk the beach, there’s an opportunity to discover something new and learn a little more about the Gulf,” said Jace Tunnell, HRI Director of Community Engagement. “That’s what I love about Beachcombing. It gets people  outside, looking closely at what washes ashore and thinking about where it came from and what it can tell us about our coast. I’m excited to bring that experience to the community and give families a chance to explore the beach together.

 We’re grateful to Phillips 66 for their support in helping us make this event possible and expand the reach of the  Beachcombing program.” 

Beachcombing also reaches audiences through weekly educational videos on YouTube and Facebook, Beach Finds Friday posts on Facebook and Instagram, a weekly beach report on KEDT 90.3 FM, and newspaper columns throughout the Texas coast.

Find more information on the event here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1G9MowwEBw/

---

About Phillips 66 

Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets  products that drive the global economy. The company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing  and Specialties, and Renewable Fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the  globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon  future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn. 

About the Harte Research Institute 

The Harte Research Institute (HRI) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi advances the long-term sustainable use and  conservation of the Gulf through research, policy, and education. 

For more information about HRI’s integration of marine science with expertise in policy, social sciences, and economics  or to get involved, visit https://www.harteresearch.org/. Follow HRI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X.

---

Want to stay updated on tools, resources, and news about the Corpus Christi community? Explore our Website or contact the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce team at 361-881-1800 today!