Crystal Cove Conservancy Raises Funds For STEM In Virtual Gala

LAGUNA BEACH, CA —In a year like no other, hundreds of thousands were raised to support the Crystal Cove Conservancy in a virtual gala event. Nearly 200 people from 12 states logged in to join Crystal Cove Conservancy’s “Night In With Crystal Cove” Livestream Event. Nearly $430,000 to support The Conservancy’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education programs at Crystal Cove State Park.

The Resort at Pelican Hill partnered for the eleventh year to provide gourmet drive-thru dinners-to-go for sponsors of the event.

“We had no idea what to expect from our first entry into this virtual space, and we are just thrilled that our event this year raised nearly as much for our programs as we’ve been able to raise in a typical year.

Our donors just keep coming through for us, and we couldn’t be more grateful,” said Gavin Herbert, Crystal Cove Conservancy’s Board Chair.

The event included a live auction, an opportunity drawing for a chance to win a three-night stay in Cottage #14, and a conversation with Carl Safina, an award-winning author and ecologist. “We were thrilled to have Carl join us from his home in Long Island, NY, to talk about his work, his travels, and our shared effort to inspire the next generation of scientists,” said Kate Wheeler, President, and CEO.

The event began with a toast to Madeline Swinden, a longtime supporter of The Conservancy who passed away earlier this year. “Madeline’s passing left a hole in the hearts of those who loved her and the organizations she supported. She was a great friend of Crystal Cove and will always be a part of the Cove Magic,” said Wheeler.

Wheeler’s remarks focused on the transformation of Crystal Cove State Park into an ideal outdoor classroom that can inspire young people’s love for the natural world and, in turn, an interest in science and conservation.

The Conservancy’s outdoor STEM education programs — now adapted for distance learning — engage more than 10,000 students from all over Southern California each year in hands-on programs that immerse them in ongoing conservation projects in the park. These experiences connect students from under-resourced schools and low-income communities to real-world environmental challenges along the coastline and in protected backcountry habitats, giving them a deep understanding of how they can help protect the environment.

The Conservancy's three main areas of focus are: to educate the next generation of environmental scientists; protect fragile habitats and natural resources in the park, including 3.2 miles of sandy beach and coastal bluffs, 2400 backcountry acres, and an offshore Marine Protected Area; and preserve the unique mid-century beach cottages as affordable overnight rentals for families.

While these may seem like disparate functions, at Crystal Cove, they weave together to create a rich experience in the natural world for people from diverse backgrounds that support the protection of this fragile piece of California coastline, a spokesperson for the event says.

See the event at cove.givesmart.com

This year’s sponsors included The Resort at Pelican Hill, Gardner Grout Foundation, Eva and Doug Le Bon, Massen Greene Foundation, Christine Carr, Crystal Cove Beach Cottages, Lucy Donahue, Bonnie Gregory, Michael and Tricia Berns, Paula and Jeff Cole, the Crevier Family Foundation, Contrarian Group, Inc., Natasha, and Todd Palmier, Stephanie Quesada and Vince Jackson, Jeri and Danny McKenna, Teddie Ray, Roger’s Gardens, Fred and Wendy Salter, the Joan Irvine Smith and Athalie R. Clarke Foundation, Shelley, B. Thunen and two anonymous supporters.

Several other donors gave generously in Madeline Swinden’s memory, including Lynn and Dave Rahn, Nancy and Arn Youngman, Virginia and Kent Valley, the Archarios Foundation, and the Ueberroth Family Foundation.