How to Celebrate World Turtle Day with a Fundraising Feast

Combine good food with a great cause this 23rd May

At That’s Food and Drink, we believe that food has the power to bring people together — and when it’s in support of a worthy cause, that power multiplies. 

This World Turtle Day (23rd May), why not put your love of entertaining to good use by hosting a fundraising party or dinner in aid of turtle and tortoise conservation?

Whether you’re cooking up a feast, setting a beautiful table, or crafting cocktails, here’s how to turn your passion for food and drink into tangible support for our shelled friends.

Why World Turtle Day Matters

Turtles and tortoises play a vital role in ecosystems across the globe — but they’re under threat from pollution, habitat loss, climate change, and the illegal pet trade. World Turtle Day, created by American Tortoise Rescue, raises awareness and funds for the protection of these gentle creatures.

Hosting a fundraising dinner gives you the chance to support that mission while enjoying fabulous food with friends.

Plan the Perfect Turtle-Themed Gathering

1. Choose Your Style

Set the tone for your event with one of these formats:

Turtle-Friendly Supper Club: Host a themed three-course dinner featuring sustainable ingredients.

Garden Turtle Picnic: Set out rugs, finger foods, and iced drinks in your garden or local park.

Afternoon Tea for Turtles: Serve classic scones, sandwiches, and turtle-themed bakes for a stylish twist.

Tapas & Turtles Night: Combine small plates with a short film or presentation about turtle conservation.

Sustainable Menu Inspiration

Your menu should be a celebration of flavour and ethics. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Starter: Cucumber gazpacho or seaweed salad

Main: Sustainable fish curry, jackfruit tacos, or plant-based paella

Dessert: “Turtle Tracks” chocolate mousse or pistachio panna cotta shaped like a turtle shell

Drinks: Ocean-blue cocktails, sea salt mocktails, and reusable straw stations

Try to keep dishes ocean-friendly by avoiding single-use plastics and sourcing ingredients locally and sustainably.

Fundraising Made Easy

Encourage donations in fun and creative ways:

Charge a set amount for a “ticket” to your dinner.

Host a food-themed raffle or silent auction (e.g. home-baked goods, wine hampers, local restaurant vouchers).

Offer a bake sale table with goodies for guests to take home in exchange for donations.

Set up a digital donation link through JustGiving or PayPal and display a QR code at the table.

Choose a charity doing great work in this space, such as:

World Turtle Day https://www.worldturtleday.org/

The Turtle Foundation https://www.turtle-foundation.org/en/

Marine Conservation Society (UK) https://www.mcsuk.org/

British Chelonia Group http://www.britishcheloniagroup.org.uk/

🌍 Decor and Table Styling Tips

Keep things tasteful and turtle-forward:

Use ocean-inspired tones — teal, turquoise, and sandy neutrals.

Decorate with shells, driftwood, and potted succulents.

Add small fact cards about turtles or ocean conservation as conversation starters.

Swap paper napkins for fabric ones, and offer compostable plates if dining alfresco.

Share the Shell-ebration (Sorry!)

Don’t forget to document the fun! Post your spread, styling, and fundraising total on Instagram or Facebook. Tag your chosen charity and use hashtags like #WorldTurtleDay, #ThatsFoodAndDrink, and #DineForChange to inspire others.

Final Course: Make it Count

Celebrating World Turtle Day through food lets you give back in the most delicious way. Whether you’re cooking for two or twenty, your efforts help raise awareness and vital funds for turtle conservation efforts across the world.

So dust off your platters, fill those glasses, and let’s toast to turtles — one tasty bite at a time.

Planning a menu or want turtle-themed recipe cards to go with your event? Let us know in the comments or tag us @ThatsFoodAndDrink – we’d love to share your ideas!