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Grand Grunion Gala A Smashing Success
On May 4, 2013, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium enthusiasts and supporters gathered together for an unforgettable evening celebrating the ocean, marine life and young scientists at the Grand Grunion Gala hosted by FRIENDS of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.
“This year’s Gala went extremely well and is possibly the most successful Gala in FRIENDS history,” said Danielle Knecht, FCMA’s Development Manger. “The event raised more than $150,000 of net revenue for the Aquarium’s education, conservation, research and outreach programs that provide science education to 150,000 schoolchildren each year.”
The Gala took place in a giant tent setup in the Aquarium parking lot transforming what was once just asphalt into an elegant dining room and reception area with crystal chandeliers and an ocean-front view. Once inside, guests enjoyed cocktails from the martini bar and had the chance to bid on more than one-hundred silent auction items. During dinner, guests hatched grunion eggs and bid on live auction items, including the rare opportunity for a ride on the Goodyear Blimp.
Los Angeles City Councilman Joe Buscaino emceed the evening’s ceremonies highlighting two young scientist success stories: Andres Carrillo, a former CMA student researcher who is now getting his Ph.D. at UC-Irvine, and Lauren Lee, a ninth grade CMA student researcher who placed second in Zoology at the California State Science Fair.
The evening’s ceremonies also recognized three special people who have done so much to help the environment, ocean and Aquarium. The honorees were Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, John M. Olguin Marine Environment Award; Yvonne Bogdanovich, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Leadership Award; and Carl and Marge Lundgren, Dr. Susanne Lawrenz-Miller Education Award.
Post Date: Thursday, May 9, 2013
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