Leading philanthropists, businesspeople and entertainers gathered at a private club in New York City recently for Oceana’s annual gala dinner to celebrate the organization’s 20 years of winning policy victories that restore ocean abundance.
The event raised US$1.5 million (~€1.3 million) in support of Oceana’s global campaigns.
Oceana CEO Andrew Sharpless served as master of ceremonies for this year’s event and delivered a keynote address. He told attendees:
“What does saving our ocean have to do with saving our planet? Everything. Oceana’s job is to save the ocean to help feed the world. And feeding the world from a rebuilt, abundant ocean, helps save us from climate change.”
Oceana board members and partners Susan and David Rockefeller, Jr. hosted the event.
According to Susan Rockefeller:
“It’s because of you that in just 20 years, Oceana has led the way with science and advocacy-based campaigns to deliver impact that counts for our oceans — securing 225 victories and protecting nearly 4 million square miles of ocean and counting.”
This year’s event followed the theme “Sirens & Sailors” and featured poetry readings, live music and dancing. Actors, activists, and Oceana board members Ted Danson and Sam Waterston virtually shared remarks and readings of “Whale Day” by Billy Collins and “The Sound of the Sea” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, respectively.
(Featured image credit: Angela Pham/BFA.com)
