Oceana’s 2013 SeaChange Summer Party
On Sunday, Oceana hosted its annual SeaChange Summer Party in Laguna Beach, Calif. The event welcomed an elite crowd of supporters for the organization’s efforts to grow and conserve the ocean. Oceana is the largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation.
The fundraiser took place in a beautiful, archway encrusted villa sitting atop Laguna’s hills, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was the ideal setting to display exactly what Oceana is all about - the ocean. More than 70 percent of the globe is covered by ocean. It may sound like an overwhelming amount of water to conserve, but Oceana has the influence to make a change.
In 2001, Ted Danson, actor and Oceana activist, merged his American Ocean Campaign with Oceana to help create a global impact on ocean conservation. Danson shared his thoughts on why he chose Oceana. He said, “It is the most easily accessible organization for you to make use of your passion, to do something out in the world. It’s not just a ‘save the fish’, it’s your health. If you are in childbearing years, one out of six women have too much mercury in their system to safely give birth to a child without the risk of neurological damage. It’s very real.” Passion and awareness are what drive the continued growth and support behind Oceana. “So, educate yourself. As a consumer, find out what is good for you, and then get involved with Oceana,” Danson said.
Alexandra Cousteau, Oceana’s senior advisor, shared a different perspective on the ocean’s need for conservation. Cousteau said, “My brother and I grew up with the ocean. We’ve been fortunate to dive in oceans all over the world, from a very young age. And we’ve also seen them start to decline, and that’s a huge part of the initiatives we have participated in.”
Actor Dennis Haysbert also shared the scary truth behind the ocean’s decline. He said, “What I’d like people to know about the ocean is without life in the ocean, we die. So when we pollute the ocean we’re killing ourselves. Stop being part of the problem, and start being part of the solution.”
The restoration of the beauty in the ocean is what the SeaChange Summer Party is all about. Educating others, finding a way to make an impact, and taking action are the messages being sent by this group of Oceana supporters.
The ocean impacts everyone. From children to elders, people are often either playing in the ocean, eating protein from the ocean, or traveling the vast seas to explore new worlds. Emily Osment, 21, was one of the youngest actresses at the SeaChange Summer Party, but her impact is beyond her chronological age. “I chose Oceana because I grew up in California and I have a very large appreciation for the ocean. When you have the privilege of growing up in a place where you have the opportunity to go to the beach anytime you want, you kind of understand a little more how important it is to be clean,” Osment said. She is working to create awareness of the importance of not over-fishing the waters. Her youthful energy radiated on Oceana’s blue carpet (instead of the traditional red), and she plans to continue to make an impact with Oceana.
Oceana’s events are intended to not only recognize the support behind the organization, but to empower people at home and encourage their participation.
Actress Angela Kinsey has some at home ideas for people around the world to do to join in on the cause.Kinsey said, “Try to reduce your plastics. Reduce plastic bottles, get a filtered water pitcher so that you’re not buying a lot of plastics. Use recyclable bags, little things like that end up as garbage that goes back into our ocean.”
Former Chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Equality James L. Connaughton also had some great suggestions. Connaughton said, “The single most important thing you can do is actually manage your trash. It’s killing fish and it’s killing the eco system. If you just manage your trash, recycle your waste, put it in the appropriate bags and send it to a landfill. Everyone can play a role in that.”
As the sun set over the ocean, silent and live auctions began to close. All proceeds went straight to Oceana’s cause, bringing in more than $1 million for the night. Oceana supporter and musician, Sheryl Crow, wrapped up the night with an intimate concert. Her raw acoustic sound was a beautiful way to end the night.
Before everyone left for the evening, Danson expressed the needs and purpose of Oceana as he recommended that everyone, “Educate yourself, go online and become a wavemaker.”
Read more about Oceana and becoming a wavermaker.
Written by Ambyr Hanks of The Written Runway
Tagged in: charity, causes, oceana, events, philanthropy, seachange,
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