Heal the Ocean’s 20th Birthday Celebration on October 27, 2018 was the most fun, EVER!

What a great group gathered at the El Paseo, with our wonderful sponsors and friends, politicos and supporters mingling in a party that netted a wonderful sum to support our work! Great celebratory tributes came from County Fire Chief (Ret.) Eric Peterson, City Fire Chief (Ret.) Pat McElroy, our beloved state senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, and our Honorary Chair Julia Louis-Dreyfus blew us a kiss from her dressing room at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where she was being honored with the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

Music by Jason Libs got everyone on their feet, dancing and hopping – and surprise musical performances were given by HTO Public Outreach director Ruston Slager on piano; surfer/musicians Denny Aaberg & Simone Reddingius on guitars, and HTO Executive Director Hillary Hauser on piano – and some other impromptu rock-out performances that came from members in the audience. The beautiful room was created by HTO Event Manager Heather Hudson and her committee – Shannon Trotta and HTO Operations Coordinator Alison Thompson. The Live Auction was conducted by Los Angeles auctioneer Rick Werner, who had video assist on one of the items by Jack Johnson. HTO is so proud of the fact that both Jack said to red carpet interviewers at Kennedy Center that he knew Julia because of their mutual love and work for the environment – and because “we are both advisory board members for Heal the Ocean.”

The night was a blast and we were so thrilled and grateful to share it with you all. A big thanks to our generous sponsors who support us!

Click here to view the Event photos!