Save the Reefs, Save the Oceans Gala

On the evening of Thursday, September 19, we will celebrate the important work of the Reef Check Foundation, on the sand, at the Jonathan Beach Club in Santa Monica. It will be a casual evening featuring an opportunity to meet some of the thousands of volunteer divers who monitor our local kelp forests, rocky reefs and tropical coral reefs around the world.

The evening will also recognize the contributions of our “Heroes of the Reef” each having demonstrated an exemplary commitment to ocean conservation. We honor the late Bob Meistrell’s lifetime commitment to the sea by celebrating his life and legacy and the 60th anniversary of his co-founding of Body Glove and California’s surf culture with his twin brother, Bill. Their development of the first practical wetsuit has allowed millions of people around the world to enjoy reefs and oceans as they did. Dirk Burcham will be honored with the Citizen Scientist of the Year Award for his commitment and dedication to marine conservation as a Reef Check California volunteer diver. Reef Check supporters include Cameron Diaz and Leonardo DiCaprio, our honorary Board Chair, and previous honorees have included Jean-Michel Cousteau, Dr. Sylvia Earle, Daryl Hannah, and Wyland.

Proceeds from the Gala will fund our award-winning educational programs for children and the conservation of two endangered ecosystems: tropical coral reefs and the California rocky reefs.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://reefcheck.org/events/gala2013