2016 SeaChange Summer Party | Oceana

2016 SeaChange Summer Party

 

The SeaChange Summer Party is an annual Orange County event recognizing the ocean’s importance and honoring those who are actively helping to preserve its habitats and wildlife.

On July 30, Seth MacFarlane, Sam Waterston, Ted Danson, Jeff Goldblum, Angela Kinsey, Colin Egglesfield, Leonor Varela, Sally Pressman and Olympic swimmer Aaron Peirsol attended the 9th annual SeaChange Summer Party in Laguna Beach.

The event recognized the multi-talented Seth MacFarlane for his longtime support of Oceana and work as an advocate for the oceans. The sold-out evening was held at a private coastal villa in Laguna Beach. Over 400 guests attended the event, raising more than $1.4 million to protect the oceans.

Award-winning actor and longtime Oceana board member Ted Danson mingled with guests and led the night as Master of Ceremonies.

“SeaChange is a truly remarkable event. The Orange County SeaChange community’s passion and commitment to protecting the seas has enabled Oceana’s work off the coast of California and around the world,” said Ted Danson. “It’s important that we take the time to celebrate the successes and the supporters who make Oceana’s victories possible.”

The evening’s special guest, Seth MacFarlane, took the stage to share his support for ocean conservation and the work that Oceana does to secure healthier oceans around the world:                    

“Oceana has won over 100 meaningful victories in this fight, and as an organization that is both globally present and science­-based, they represent the essence of what we want more of in our planet’s future. The oceans of tomorrow can be healthier, stronger and more productive than they are today if we all get involved either financially or in a boots on the ground way, or both with groups like Oceana.”

SeaChange guests were treated to specialty Nolet cocktails and a delicious dinner. Guests were invited to raise their paddles to support Oceana’s campaigns to protect majestic sea creatures like whales and promote healthy, vibrant marine ecosystems. Highlights of the evening’s auction included the lively bidding for a limited-edition BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition donated by BMWi and the Orange County BMW Centers and an exclusive six-day voyage aboard the Hemisphere — the world’s largest luxury catamaran — donated by the owner and Burgess, the world’s superyacht specialist.

Oceana CEO Andrew Sharpless spoke about Oceana’s work and recent victories for the ocean. He highlighted Oceana’s Save the Ocean, Feed the World campaign, which aims to restore the biodiversity and abundance of the world’s oceans to support a growing global population. With the right policies in place, a fully productive ocean could provide a meal a day for a billion people forever.

Oceana also recognized Eve and Mike Ruffatto as 2016 Ocean Champions for their dedication to ocean conservation and generous support of Oceana. Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra captivated guests with a special jazz performance to bring the program to a close. Party-goers then spent time dancing in the ocean breeze at the Post-Party Lounge.

SeaChange was co-chaired by Oceana board vice chair Valarie Van Cleave and Britt Meyer. 

“Over the past nine years, SeaChange and its supporters have raised over $12 million for Oceana and its work restoring oceans around the globe,” said Oceana board vice chair and SeaChange Co-Chair Valarie Van Cleave. “Together, we are working to ensure that every child inherits a healthier ocean.”

For a full list of underwriters and partners, host committee members, auction items and more information about SeaChange visit: http://seachangesummerparty.org.