Laguna Ocean Foundation Celebrates 20 Years Of Nonprofit Work

DANA POINT, CA — The Laguna Ocean Foundation celebrated 20 years of nonprofit work, ocean stewardship and outreach on Oct. 26 with a special anniversary event at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point.

The night, titled "A Shimmering Night by the Sea," offered attendees an evening of music, food, drinks and ocean education. The festivities included notable moments, including a special commendation from the California State Legislature, a congratulatory speech from Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen and a riveting presentation by Laguna Beach ocean explorer and photographer, Rich German.

The event raised more than $26,000 through donations and a live auction, which attracted nearly 150 attendees. Proceeds from the event will support tidepool education projects, classroom and field education for K-12 and college students, restoration of the Aliso Estuary and nonprofit programs.

“It was a beautiful evening,” Board Vice Chair Ed Almanza said in a statement. “Laguna Ocean Foundation answered the community’s call to action 20 years ago, and each year we take on more challenges and reach a larger audience. The community showed up in strong support of our mission to protect Laguna’s unique coastal ecosystems for future generations. We look forward to twenty more years of protecting the beauty and vitality of this world-class coastline and working with the city to restore the Aliso Estuary as the jewel of the Laguna Coast.”