Protecting The World’s Ocean

On July 29th, international ocean conservation organization Oceana welcomed guests to a breathtaking private residence in Laguna Beach, California overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Ocean lovers and celebrities came together to help raise funds and awareness to Oceana’s Fifth Annual SeaChange Summer Party.

In the past 5 years, the summer party has resulted in nearly $5 million  being raised for ocean conservation in Southern California and around the world.  The evening was filled with a sea of beauty.

Co-Chairs Valarie Van Cleave & Eve Kornyei Ruffatto put together a beautiful night for all to enjoy.  Special Ocean Champions Tricia & Michael Berns and South Coast Plaza were honored.

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Ted Danson hosted, Alexandra Cousteau spoke of how her grandfather introduced her to her love of the sea, Dennis Haysbert welcomed mentor Morgan Freeman back to the stage and Jeff Goldblum and his band kicked off the post party celebration.

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This year’s auction event included covetable big-ticket items that were also featured on Charitybuzz, the online charity auction site.

The 2012 Auction offered so many fabulous items…

The live auction kicked off with a $100,000 plus bid for the sleek eco-chic Fisker Karma luxury.  The hubby and I had the chance to check out this beauty…good Karma!

We were the guests of our dear friends Lisa & Ed Vogel whose love for the ocean runs deep.  Lisa and her brother Alex have been one with the water for many years via their family company RAJ Manufacturing, the country’s largest vertical domestic women’s swimwear manufacturer.

Lisa is also the creative director of my her swimwear collection, Luxe by Lisa Vogel.  She considers the Ocean family, and wants to help keep it healthy. Lisa and Ed sit on the events committee along with her parents Marta and Raj Bhathal.  She even adopted turtles at the event.

The donations and auction proceeds will help heal the oceans that are suffering from overfishing, acidification and habitat destruction. Oceana pushes to help save sea turtles and corals, protect dolphins and whales from underwater seismic testing, and fights fish fraud along with illegal fishing.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Orange County ocean conservation organizations as well.   I was able to sneak a peek of the “Post Party” celebration area before our group was lead to the gathering…this area was ready to welcome all of us and keep the ocean conversations a flowing…

Guests were gifted Oceana blankets on their dining chairs and upon leaving Neiman Marcus lite up your world with a beautiful crystal candle.

Diana Martin Gifts exclusively packaged up great educational tools for guests to further their research on the Ocean.

Overall, a magical evening and better yet…

This Oceana summer gathering helps ensure that in 100 years and beyond, the children will benefit from healthy oceans.