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Making a Difference
FRIENDS of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (FCMA) relies on the support of members to provide essential environment and marine science education to more than 150,000 schoolchildren. Partners play an especially important role by donating $1,000 or higher each year. These generous contributions are a crucial part of the membership program and allow FRIENDS to make a significant impact on the lives of student volunteers training to be young scientists at the Aquarium.
“Becoming a Partner is a financial commitment that often leads to a greater connection to the Aquarium’s mission. Many Partners are volunteers, Board members and spokespeople for us in the broader community,” said Danielle Knecht, FCMA’s Development Manager. “It’s a great asset for us to have supporters willing to give their time and resources to support what we do and help foster the next generation of marine scientists and ocean guardians.”
But being a Partner isn’t just about giving, it’s also about receiving! Members who give at the Partner level get great perks. Partners receive standard member benefits including a subscription to the Tidelines newsletter, free Aquarium parking passes, invitations to members-only events, 20 percent off in the CMA Gift Shop and discounts on Aquarium workshops, classes, lectures and trips.
In addition, Partners attend the exclusive Partners Recognition Reception. This invite-only event is a way to thank all the Partners for their contributions. It’s also an opportunity for everyone to share their love of Cabrillo and learn about the results of their hard work and generous support. Partners also get early VIP entrance to the Grand Grunion Gala as well as invitations to other special events that come up.
Partners enjoy the perks, but for many it’s about being part of a greater cause. “We enjoy being partners because it makes us a part of marine science education, which we think is so lacking in schools today,” said Nancy and Norm Cook, FCMA Partners. “It gives us a really good feeling that we can be involved in improving science education and make a real difference in the lives of school children.”
FCMA’s Partner-sponsored investments in education are paying off. FRIENDS was able to fund bus transportation allowing South Gate Middle School students to do research projects in the Aquatic Nursery every weekend. CMA staff and volunteers trained the students from this Title 1 school in scientific research by helping them design and document their own projects. Chelsea Gonzalez from this group took first place at the Los Angeles County Science Fair for her research project, and Kevin Coronado received an honorable mention.
Contact Danielle Knecht at (310) 548-7593 if you are interested in partnering with FRIENDS to support marine science education. This membership lets us help more students take their first steps towards becoming young scientists. Together we can build a strong Aquarium community and a better future for our oceans.
Post Date: Monday, September 23, 2013
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