When talking gala, the Aquarium is really talking GALA. What a night!
On June 29, the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Blue Whale Gala and Summer Splash raised more than $900,000, with almost 1000 people attending. The event was held to support the aquarium’s animal rescue and release programs, marine species conservation initiatives, and science-based educational programming. In addition to the fantastic live auction (energetic auctioneer Zack Krone humorously coaxed the audience for big money), the evening also included a gourmet dinner, special presentations and a silent auction.
Guests had the pleasure of viewing special attractions. Attendees visiting the aquarium’s newest gallery, Jelly Dreamscapes, were able to see more than 100 sea jellies found around the world. Aquarium education interpreters showed and explained glowing bioluminescence to guests.
Pictured left to right: Aquarium of the Pacific president and CEO Jeff Flocken, Joely Fisher, Jill McCullough, and Aquarium of the Pacific board chair Jennifer Hagle. (Photo by Scott Smeltzer).
Aquarium of the Pacific photo, from left: Standing: Daryl Supernaw, Jacki Stanfield, Lisa and Doug Haubert, Douglas Senecal, and Norman Rasmussen. Seated: Marlene Temple, Suzette Senecal, Suzie Price, Mark Price, and Trish Rasmussen. (Photo by Shirley Wild)
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Pictured left to right: Aquarium of the Pacific president and CEO Jeff Flocken, Joely Fisher, Jill McCullough, and Aquarium of the Pacific board chair Jennifer Hagle. (Photo by Scott Smeltzer).
Aquarium veterinary staff presented animal X-rays on screens at the Molina Animal Care Center to illustrate their work helping rescued sea turtles get a chance to return to the wild. At the sea turtle rehabilitation area, attendees were able to meet Meatloaf, the aquarium’s rescued green sea turtle that is being cared for with the hope of being released to the wild later this year.
The aquarium is home to the only sea turtle rehabilitation program in the greater Los Angeles area. Aquarium aquarists (fish and invertebrate staff) also did a live feeding for the archerfish at the Coral Lagoon exhibit.
The aquarium’s education department, meanwhile, discussed the Aquarium on Wheels program, a mobile truck with local tidepool animals such as sea anemones, sea stars and baby sharks to touch. This program connects schools and communities to the ocean that’s in their backyard. Guests also had the chance to learn more about white abalone conservation at a special display at the Casino Point exhibit. The Aquarium of the Pacific has been committed to helping this endangered species since 2007.
“We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary support shown for our education and conservation initiatives,” aquarium Vice President of Development Ryan Ashton said before the dinner. “Because of our donors, we are creating lasting impact for learners of all ages and strengthening our conservation commitment for marine and coastal animals.”
The gala featured an appearance by actress and animal advocate Joely Fisher, who interviewed aquarium President and CEO Jeff Flocken about his achievements in conservation and animal welfare — and the role of aquariums in the future of conservation.
The presenting sponsor was Legends Global, while the “Fin Whale Sponsors” were Giant Panda Management, Karl and Adam Pettijohn, Temple Family Charitable Foundation, and U.S. Bank. The “Summer Splash” presenting sponsor was Marathon Petroleum Los Angeles Refinery.
FYI: The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is dedicated to world-class conservation, outstanding animal welfare, and connecting people to nature through more than 12,000 animals and 100 exhibits. It is also involved in numerous conservation efforts, including breeding endangered animals for release, rehabilitating rescued species and community science programs.
To make a donation, visit the donation web page. Reservations are required to visit and can be made at aquariumofpacific.org or by calling 562-590-3100.
Seen at the Scene: Aquarium President and CEO Jeff Flocken, Joely Fisher, Animal Ambassador Julie Scardina, Aquarium of the Pacific board Chair Jennifer Hagle, Karl Pettijohn, Marlene Temple, Sumer Temple, Jill McCullough, Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, Councilmembers Kristina Duggan and Daryl Supernaw, Long Beach City Manager Tom Modica, harbor Commissioner Bonnie Lowenthal, Don and Julie Knabe, City Attorney Dawn McIntosh, LBUSD Superintendent David Zaid, Suzie and Mark Price, Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg, Mark Bertrand, Russ and Avalon Hill, Paul Garman, Doug and Freda Otto, Steve and Marlene Young, Sam Limon, Marcus Cooke, Kathie Eckert, Stephanie Leshney, Ken McBride, Randy Lake, Sue Wessler, David Cameron, Barbara Blackwell, Jean Bixby Smith, and Geraldine Knatz, Jacki Stanfield, Doug and Lisa Haubert, Norman and Trish Rasmussen, Douglas and Suzette Senacal.
Correction
In last week’s column, we misstated the guest who flew in for dinner. It was Lyndon B. Johnson who flew in for a dinner at his parent’s home, landing the helicopter on his street.
News of Social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at spwild@verizon.net. Please include a contact phone number. Send high-resolution jpeg photos, by attachment, to spwild@verizon.net and include group name and identification of individuals from left. Call Shirley at 562-594-9468 for more information.