ODA graciously thanks everyone who participated in our first major fundraiser, held at the Aquarium of the Pacific on April 11, 2010. We greatly appreciate the wonderful guests and the generous donors who supplied so many awesome items for the silent auction and event production, and we are thrilled to receive so much positive feedback!
Our very special guest of honor was Captain Paul Watson, the legendary Founder and President of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (www.seashepherd.org). Over 200 people were glued to each word Captain Watson spoke for over 30 minutes about the current plight of the world's oceans, and Sea Shepherd's brave and historic global campaigns to make a real difference on the high seas, as best seen on the hit Animal Planet reality series "Whale Wars". Likewise, we were honored to have SSCS Helicopter Pilot and old friend Chris Aultman join us for the evening and introduce Paul on stage.
Above is a brief slide show from the fundraiser -- more pics and video will be added as soon as possible, as well as a full written account of the evening. If you have any digital pics or video from the event that you'd like to share, please send it to scott@oceandefenders.org
We'd like to personally thank each and every person who kindly purchased tickets, help spread the word, and donated their valuable time, funds, good and services to help make our Spring 2010 fundraising and awareness event a complete success in all departments. We could not have done it without you!!
A special thank you to all the wonderful volunteers and donors, including but in no way limited to: Jennifer Dawson (Silent Auction Manager) Laura Angelini (Beautiful & Talented MC); Billy Arcila (Guitarist/Entertainment); Erika Marchino, Jennifer Lyons and Associates (Door Check-in, Raffle Tickets, Auction); Ericka Noriega (AOP Host); Robin Bronner (Event Coordination); Matt Donegan & Michael Voorhees & Elizabeth Healey & Rex Levi (Major auction contributors); and many more wonderful folk that we will continue to recognize as this report continues.
We look forward to receiving your continued support as we expand our mission in California as well as other regions of the United States and world.
Sincerely,
Kurt Lieber
Founder and President
Scott Sheckman
Acting Executive Director