October 30, 2014

Reef Check Honors Marine Conservation Leaders at Annual Gala

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Julie Packard, Poseidon Award Honoree

On October 2nd, Reef Check held its annual “Save the Reefs, Save the Oceans” gala on the sand at the Jonathan Beach Club in Santa Monica, back dropped by a gorgeous sunset and perfect weather. With two hundred guests in attendance, the gala celebrated three conservation heroes for their outstanding environmental dedication and commitment.

Julie Packard, Executive Director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Marine Biologist, accepted the Poseidon Award for her lifelong devotion to marine conservation and the promotion of sound environmental policy. She gave a passionate speech and showed a video clip highlighting the Aquarium’s education programs.

Ed Begley Jr. received the Spirit of the Reef Award for his dedication and passion for ocean and environmental concerns. As an actor, director, and environmentalist, he has long been considered a leader in promoting greater environmental awareness in the entertainment industry and beyond.

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Reef Check California Regional Manager Megan Wehrenberg with David Horwich, Citizen Scientist of the Year Ed Begley Jr., Spirit of the Reef Award Honoree

Volunteer diver David Horwich received the Citizen Scientist of the Year Award for his participation in the Reef Check California Program since 2007. David has made more than 120 survey dives for Reef Check and leads many of the shore surveys in the Monterey Bay area.

Auctioneer Tyler Durman entertained the crowd while raising critical funds for Reef Check programs during the live auction and fund a need.

We’d like to thank those who attended, bid, donated, and volunteered to make this event a success! Special thanks to our sponsors: Body Glove, Edison International, Gibson Dunn, Houlihan Lokey, Mermaids in Motion, Nova Medical Products, Aloe Cadabra and VEEV.

Click here for more photos from the gala

 

Reef Check Board Members and Gala honorees with board member Mermaid Linden\"\" \"\"
Honorees David Horwich (left), Julie Packard and Ed Begley Jr. with Reef Check Executive Director Dr. Gregor Hodgson (in blue)
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