Oceana Launches Junior Council in London
Press Release Date: March 13, 2014
Location: London, UK
Contact:
Anna Baxter | email: abaxter@oceana.org
Anna Baxter
London, UK: Oceana’s Junior Council launched in London Wednesday night. Hosted by Benjamin Goldsmith and Stephanie Bilet, the evening was attended by a select group of high profile figures from London’s fashion, music, finance, culinary and art world. The event benefited Oceana, the world’s largest international ocean conservation organization.
Benjamin Goldsmith opened the program by describing the English Channel as it was written about in 1776, brimming with herring, dolphins, whales and sharks – seemingly inexhaustible. “But that’s an unrecognizable picture for anyone here who has been near the English seaside” commented Goldsmith. “It’s a lifeless brown puddle. The oyster beds that surrounded this island and used to make this water clear and blue were dredged up long ago. And this is happening everywhere in the world. But the answer is pretty simple, it comes back quickly in the sea, and that is what Oceana is working towards.”
Guests were treated to a lively acoustic performance from 3 time platinum selling artist Newton Faulkner. A collaborative of artists from the eco-art house STITCH, created art pieces for the event which were on display and for sale throughout the night. Approximately 300 guests attended the event where they learned about the importance of protecting our oceans so that they are abundant for generations to come.
On Behalf of Oceana, Bettina Alonso, VP of Global Development presented Oceana Senior Advisor Alexandra Cousteau, granddaughter of the famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. “I think I was brainwashed at birth by my grandfather. He taught me to dive at age 7 and I was very nervous about it, but my grandfather just gave me a wink and pushed me in” remarked Cousteau about her deep instilled love for the sea. “I am honored and privileged to work with Oceana; they are extraordinary ocean warriors who are collecting victory after victory for our oceans.”
The Junior Council Launch was co-chaired by Stephanie Bilet (UK Junior Chair) and Benjamin Goldsmith along with the Junior Committee: Henry Conway, Georgia Pownall, Matt Langton and Marc-Philippe Davies.
The Junior Council was made possible by the generous support from various distinguished local and international businesses and philanthropists. Partners and underwriters include the Phillips Auction House, Jax Coco, Stitch, Drinks Fusion,
Lagunitas Brewing Company and the contributing Committee: Helena Dickie, Max Gates-Fleming and Laura Graham.
For a full list of underwriters and partners, host committee members, and more information about the Junior Council Launch visit www.joclondon.org
Photos from the event are available
