Coastkeeper’s 14th Annual Ocean Gala Raises Record-Setting Funds Brings Awareness to San Diego’s Watersheds

A sold-out crowd of nearly 500 guests gathered downtown at The US Grant on Saturday to help Coastkeeper celebrate its most successful fundraising benefit to date. Honorary Event Chair County of San Diego Vice Chairwoman Pam Slater-Price, Master of Ceremonies Bill Menish and gala attendees celebrated San Diego’s inland waterways and helped raise more than $100,000 for Coastkeeper’s programs that are helping protect San Diego’s precious watersheds and marine resources.

Coastkeeper recognized Hubbell and Hubbell Architects with the Coastal Champion Business Award for its commitment to innovative design that protects valuable natural resources. Coastkeeper also presented the Coastal Champion Youth Award to Mara Bickett and Becky Deller for Fish for Thought, an environmental art project that raises awareness about the negative impact of trash on oceans and
marine life. And the Coastal Champion Community Honorees included Margarita DÍaz with Proyecto Fronterizo de EducaciÓn Ambiental for her work to improve and protect beach and coastal health in Mexico and the United States, and Dr. Tony Haymet, Director at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, for his leadership and impact in the scientific and education communities regarding climate change and water management issues.

Many local community activists, concerned citizens and elected officials were on hand to pay tribute to honorees, including San Diego’s Mayor Jerry Sanders, Congresswoman Susan Davis, State Senator Christine Kehoe, State Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Lori SaldaÑa and City Councilmembers Sherri Lightner and Marti Emerald, among many others from around the county. Guests enjoyed a
gourmet dinner of organic food from sustainable vendors, including event wine sponsor ONEHOPE Wine, as Coastkeeper made an effort to green the event as much as possible this year. Attendees danced to the music of Zapf Dingbats, and joined in exciting live and silent auctions and the Ocean Gallery, which
featured work from local artists.

More coverage and pictures along with ways you can support Coastkeeper can be found at San Diego Coastkeeper Gala.