Heal the Bay welcomes 1,000 an annual gala to keep oceans healthy and thriving
Photo credit: Heal the Bay
Nearly 1,000 thought leaders, change makers, philanthropists, business and entertainment professionals, athletes, activists and supporters turned up to LA’s largest beach party at Heal the Bay’s annual “Bring back the Beach” gala to honor individuals dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission of keeping oceans healthy for generations to come.
For more than three decades , Heal the Bay has been Southern California’s strongest advocate for our oceans. Heal the Bay is dedicated to making the coastal waters and watersheds of Greater Los Angeles safe, healthy and clean. Its programs include monitoring water quality at 450 California beaches each week, advocating for restoration of threatened wetlands and water recycling, campaigning for legislation to keep harmful bacteria and pollution out of our oceans, and conducting award-winning educational programs to transform students of all ages into ambassadors for our oceans.
Photo credit: Heal the Bay
The event
Now in its second decade, the annual fundraiser featured live entertainment, delicious cuisine, exciting live and silent auctions, and an awards ceremony that honored outstanding individuals dedicated to preserving and caring for our greatest natural resource. All of the funds raised at Bring Back the Beach will help the organization continue its mission of keeping our oceans healthy for generations to come.
Photo credit: Heal the Bay
Setting the mood
The event started with guests arriving in their white beach-chic attire and walking the signature blue carpet. A mobile tank from Heal the Bay Aquarium offered a deeper look at some local marine animals and wildlife. After a sweet cocktail party, thrilling live auction, and scrumptious dinner and dessert, guests danced the night away to the incredible James Gang band, right on the sand and beneath the stars.
Photo credit: Heal the Bay
Event sponsor K-Swiss even announced their sneaker collaboration with the organization to celebrate a wonderful night of making waves, highlight the great work being done, and creating a sustainable water future in L.A. County.
Photo credit: Heal the Bay
Champions of change
Reflecting the eclectic nature of Southern California’s devoted ocean lovers, Heal the Bay saluted the eco-accomplishments of Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl and “The World Famous KROQ”.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl has a long history of collaboration with Heal the Bay, starting with her days as a California State Senator. Under her fearless leadership in public office, she has made the L.A. region more environmentally healthy and sustainable. She protected the long-term health of the local coastline by co-authoring legislation that created the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission in 2002. Last year, she championed Measure W, a ballot measure that will generate $330 million annually to fund projects that capture stormwater, treat runoff and replenish our local water supply. Measure W passed with a huge 69% majority. This crucial progress toward sustainable water would not have been possible without the leadership and vision of Supervisor Kuehl.
Photo credit: Heal the Bay
KROQ has given a steady stream of support to Heal the Bay over nearly three decades. As the region’s leading alternative rock music purveyor, KROQ has connected millions of music listeners and concert-goers to the shoreline, to their watershed and to each other. Driven by an unrivaled dedication to the Los Angeles community and culture, KROQ has contributed $1,000,000 to Heal the Bay’s local science-based programs since 1992. Proceeds generated from KROQ Weenie Roast and benefit concerts fund Heal the Bay’s work surrounding plastic pollution, climate change, contaminated seafood and beach safety.