August 1st, Laguna Beach, California
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 on Saturday evening to support Oceana, the world’s largest ocean conservation organization.
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 $1.3 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 auction included the lively bidding for a limited-edition BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition donated by BMW i 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.”
The SeaChange silent and live auctions included a wide array of exclusive items including a Mikimoto Golden South Sea Pearl Necklace, custom suits from Brioni and David August, stunning jewelry from David Yurman, Julia Post Jewelry, Winston’s Crown Jewelers, Alexander Jewell, K. Brunini Jewels and Kimberlin Brown, gorgeous luxury items from Versace, Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Neiman Marcus, Roger Vivier, Bottega Veneta, Roberto Cavalli, Dolce and Gabbana, Salvatore Ferragamo, Ralph Lauren, MaxMara, and TOD’S, and exquisite watches from Chopard, Porsche Design and Chanel. Artwork by Kevin McHugh, Erik Skoldberg, Jojo Bros, Ann McCoy, Todd Kenyon and Gregory Colbert, shopping experiences at South Coast Plaza and Burberry, and many other items were also part of the auctions.
Guests had the opportunity to bid on a number of fabulous trips and experiences including a Chopard Oscars Weekend Experience donated by Traditional Jewelers, an expedition to the incredible Galapagos Islands with Lindblad Expeditions, a luxurious retreat to The Brando Resort in Tahiti, a getaway to Sir Richard Branson’s private island in the British Virgin Islands, three nights aboard the Maria Cleofas in Mexico, and the ultimate New York City experience complete with a stay in the Dior Suite at the St. Regis Hotel and tickets to the hottest show on Broadway – “Hamilton.” Other trips included stays at the Las Ventanas al Parasio in San Jose del Cabo, the Montage Kapalua Bay in Maui, the Le Guanahani Resort in St. Barth, the Hidden Inn & Reserve in Belize, and many other incredible locations.
The SeaChange Summer Party is made possible by the generous support of various distinguished local and international businesses and philanthropists. Special thanks to presenting sponsor BMW i and the Orange County BMW Centers, media sponsor Coast Magazine, liquor sponsors Nolet Spirits and Ketel One Partners, and gift sponsor Traditional Jewelers. SeaChange partners and underwriters include the Harriet E. Pfleger Foundation, Britt and Robert Meyer, Elizabeth An and Gordon Clune, Anne Earhart and the Marisla Foundation, Tricia and Michael Berns, Julie and Peter Hill, Susan and Don Kang, Elizabeth Wahler, Jean and Tim Weiss, the Fanticola and Knode families, Eve and Mike Ruffatto, the Cahill family, James Sandler, South Coast Plaza, Commerce Printing, and Signature Party Rentals. Special thank you to Keith Addis and Keri Selig.
About Oceana
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one third of the world’s wild fish catch. With over 100 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution and killing of threatened species like turtles and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that one billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal, every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit www.oceana.org to learn more.
