MaiTai Global Pledges $100,000 To Support Dr. Sylvia Earle's Mission Blue -- A Movement To Bring The National Park Idea To The Sea

"We are proud to support one of the most prominent global leaders in conservation and Ocean Elder, Dr. Sylvia Earle, and the Mission Blue Hope Spot Initiative," said The Ocean Gala Chair Maria Stermer.  

This pledge to Mission Blue comes on the heels of several major advancements to create marine protected areas, including the announcement by President Obama to expand Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in Hawaii creating the world's largest marine protected area. Currently less than four percent of the ocean is protected in any way, and less than one percent is designated a "no-take" zone.  

"There is still time to act if we make the next decade and century count for the ocean and wildlife within it," said Dr. Sylvia Earle. "This generous $100,000 grant will fund voyages that explore our most critical ocean habitats to create awareness, foster partnerships and build public support for the creation of marine protected areas 'Hope Spots' across the globe."

The second annual Ocean Gala, organized by MaiTai Global and OceanElders, brings together global leaders in the business and kiteboarding communities for a fundraiser to support ocean causes. The evening will include a live and silent auction, the announcement of the VR Challenge winner, and a performance by the San Francisco Ballet.  Unique auction items include donations and endorsements from celebrities such as: Oliver Stone, Josh Groban, and The Fray.  This year's gala hails attendees from over seven countries and launch parties will be held in Los Angeles (hosted by: Permacity), San Francisco (hosted by: Modernist Club) and New York City. 

Sponsors include: Virgin Unite, Other World Computing, Macsales.com, Bitfury, Fairwarning, Setili & Associates, Events.com, Breathometer and, Unofficial Cardboard.
www.theoceangala.com #TheOceanGala

MaiTai Global, founded by Susi Mai and Bill Tai, is a group of extraordinary entrepreneurs, innovators and athletes whose collective passion of kiteboarding brings them together. www.maitaiglobal.com #MaiTaiGlobal

OceanElders, founded by Gigi Brisson, is an independent group of global leaders who have joined together to serve as a catalyst in the conservation and protection of the ocean. Notable members include Dr. Sylvia Earle, Sir Richard Branson, Captain Don Walsh, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Jim Cameron, Ted Turner, Jackson Browne, Dr. Bertrand Piccard, E.O. Wilson, Wade Davis, and Gerry Lopez. www.oceanelders.org #OceanElders

Mission Blue is an initiative of the Sylvia Earle Alliance (S.E.A.) to ignite public support for the protection of Hope Spots—special places that are vital to the health of the ocean, the blue heart of our planet. www.mission-blue.org  #MissionBlue

CONTACT:   Valentina White (954) 593-4706  
                    BryteBox Consulting for The Ocean Gala

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161018/430240

SOURCE The Ocean Gala

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http://www.theoceangala.com