OCEAN DISCOVERY INSTITUTE SUPPORTERS DO WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE CHANGE AT ANNUAL BUBBLE UP! GALA RAISING $319,000... CARLSBAD, Calif. – Ocean Discovery Institute’s students and supporters came together Saturday, September 6, at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa for the annual Bubble Up! gala – a celebration of the generosity that has empowered countless young people to reach for the stars. The black-tie affair attracted nearly 300 revelers and raised more than $319,000 to support Ocean Discovery’s tuition-free science education and conservation programs, which will soon expand to reach 20,000 students in the underserved community of City Heights. “I want to ask you tonight to consider, what does it really take to make change?” Executive Director Shara Fisler asked an audience that included corporate supporters, public officials, and philanthropists. “What does it take to not only reach 20,000 young people each year, but to empower each of them to reach for the stars? It takes every single one of us here in this room. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.” Ocean Discovery’s supporters in attendance heeded the call in an overwhelming display of generosity. Linda Alexander and Keith Walton raised a paddle, and in the process, empowered leaders. Their support will provide one-on-one college and career mentoring for 10 of our high school seniors.Longtime supporter Yvette Diuri placed winning auction bids on a Las Vegas getaway on a private jet. In doing so, she empowered knowledge, enabling more than 500 third through sixth graders to participate in hands-on science in the classroom. Peggy Arnone empowered change by signing up to become a monthly supporter through our Visionary Community. Through that level of support, 100 community members will transform degraded canyons through habitat restoration projects.“It was a wonderful evening that exceeded our wildest expectations,” said Ocean Discovery Board Chair Sean Caddell. “Our community of supporters has really connected with our amazing kids, and I think that showed in a big way on Saturday night. We are so grateful for their generosity!” Attendees received a firsthand glimpse of what kind of change their investment has empowered during the student-led program. Forty Ocean Discovery students were on hand, with one student ambassador seated at each table and 20 students taking part in an onstage musical production that brought the house down. The students also provided the most moving moment of the evening, as Jesus Herrera and Joseph Ekyoci shared their stories of personal growth at Ocean Discovery and how they have helped one another achieve their goals. Public officials in attendance included U.S. Congress members Susan Davis and Scott Peters; San Diego City Council President Todd Gloria; San Diego School Board President Kevin Beiser; San Diego Unified School District Area 6 Superintendent Fabiola Bagula; and San Diego District 9 Council Representative Rudy Vargas, a former Ocean Discovery student. Bubble Up! was made possible thanks to the support of sponsors aTyr Pharma; Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves, & Savitch; Cox Communications; Hughes Marino; San Diego Gas & Electric; Bumble Bee Foods; Recon, Boeing; Union Bank; NRG Energy; Bank of America; La Jolla Laser Clinic; Fou Films; Frequentz; and Waitt Foundation. Ocean Discovery Institute supporters empower change all year long. There are three ways to participate: Donate today, give monthly, or volunteer your time and expertise. About Ocean Discovery InstituteOcean Discovery Institute uses science to engage young people from urban and diverse backgrounds and empowers them to transform their lives, their community, and ultimately our world as scientific and environmental leaders. Learn more at OceanDiscoveryInstitute.org.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 18:43:29 +0000
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