Heal the Bay Raises $650K To Aid Environmental Work

More than 1,200 guests helped Heal the Bay celebrate its biggest fundraising dinner ever on May 30 at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Themed ‘Making Waves,’ the event celebrated environmental stewards whose thoughts, words and actions show that every individual is capable of affecting positive change. Many Southland celebrities and civic leaders were on hand to pay tribute to special honorees H. David Nahai, CEO and general manager of Los Angeles’ Department of Water and Power; Don Corsini, general manager of local broadcast stations KCBS and KCAL; and Pacific Palisades resident Tom Unterman, founder and managing partner of venture capital firm Rustic Canyon Partners. All three leaders have made waves in their respective fields, encouraging the adoption of more ocean-friendly practices in their business and community activities. ‘We are proud to recognize these longtime friends of Heal the Bay for their years of public service,’ said Heal the Bay president Mark Gold. ‘They lead by example, encouraging all of us to remain steadfast and make Earth-friendly choices in our daily lives.’ In a bid to make the ‘Back the Beach’ event as sustainable as possible, Heal the Bay selected vendors committed to green business practices. Patina Restaurant Group, known for supporting local farms, created a menu consisting of all organic and sustainable food items. The team ensured that 100 percent of the evening’s waste was recycled. Styrofoam was not allowed on the event site. Kunde Estate Winery, noted for its strict commitment to sustainable winegrowing practices, provided wines to accompany dinner. During the evening’s live auction, a fully accessorized 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid led the spirited bidding, netting $33,000 for the organization. Among the notables mingling at the dinner: Heal the Bay board members Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Amy Smart; fellow actors Ingo Rademacher and J.D. Roth; Los Angeles Kings captain Rob Blake; political leaders Fran Pavley and Bobby Shriver; and visual artist Chris Jordan. Celebrating its 23rd year, Heal the Bay netted more than $650,000 to promote the organization’s ongoing work. Among many initiatives, the group has successfully led the regional fight to reduce the proliferation of marine debris, especially plastic bags, and to impose stricter controls on cities’ discharge of harmful urban runoff. Heal the Bay is dedicated to making Santa Monica Bay and Southern California coastal waters safe and healthy again for people and marine life.’ It is one of the largest non-profit environmental organizations in Los Angeles County, with more than 12,000 members. For information about the organization’s education, outreach, research and advocacy programs, visit www.healthebay.org