Oct. 8 memorial concert benefitting Conservation Foundation to be held at Bay Preserve in Osprey

Event will celebrate the life of the late Mary Terese Finnegan

The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is inviting members of the community to “Rock the Preserve” on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 2 to 6 p.m., the nonprofit has announced.

A line-up of local musicians will be donating time and talent to celebrate the life of Mary Terese “MT” Finnegan and support the Conservation Foundation’s ongoing work to protect nature in Southwest Florida, a news release explains.

“The event will take place at the organization’s beautiful Bay Preserve on the shore of Little Sarasota Bay,” the release adds.

“Mary Terese loved Bay Preserve and Conservation Foundation’s mission to save land for the benefit of people and nature,” the release says. She passed away in December 2021 “after a hard-fought battle with cancer,” the release adds. This special event will celebrate her life “while supporting a cause she held close to her heart.” All proceeds will benefit the Conservation Foundation, the release notes.

“Second Nature, the host band, will perform a variety of cover songs about nature and love followed by ‘MT’s All Star Band’ performing a set of rock ’n’ roll standards,” the release says. Food trucks will be on-site “with delicious food and treats” for people to enjoy during the concert, the release points out. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets to sit on at this picnic-style gathering, the release notes.

Bay Preserve is located at 400 Palmetto Ave. in Osprey. Concert admission is free, the release says, though a $10 donation per person is suggested. Each $10 donation will provide one entry in a door-prize giveaway, the release adds.

To RSVP or seek more information, visit conservationfoundation.com/events.