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Philanthropy Highlights Fall 2024
Read about the small supporters, the future veterinarians, and volunteers inspired by the Aquarium's efforts and programs.
Day Octopus Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific/Robin Riggs
September 24, 2024
Fall 2024 Highlights
Small Supporters, Big Impact
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the University Montessori School’s Kindergarten class for their incredible support of the Aquarium through their annual philanthropy project. Led by Miss Elizabeth, twenty-five enthusiastic students raised over one thousand dollars to help their favorite animals: sea otters and octopuses.
The Montessori Schools of Irvine, founded by Cheryll and Richard Ruszat, aims to teach its students the value of collective impact. “We want them to know that every little thing they do helps. The kids were so excited and proud to share how much they had raised,” said Cecelia McGregor, director of University Montessori, one of their schools located on the UC Irvine campus.
The students took charge of decorating collection jars and fundraising with their families. They raised funds through chores, lemonade stands, bake sales, and spreading awareness about the Aquarium of the Pacific. Their efforts supported critical work like our partnership with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Sea Otter Surrogacy program. Through this program we play a vital role in the rehabilitation and care of orphaned sea otter pups, preparing them for reintroduction into the wild. Through this initiative, experienced adult sea otters at the Aquarium serve as surrogate mothers, teaching the pups essential survival skills.
“These young philanthropists exemplify the idea that anyone, no matter their age, can make a difference. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like them, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of sea otters and other marine animals. Together, we can protect our oceans and support the causes that matter most to us, fostering a healthier, more vibrant ocean for future generations,” said Ryan Ashton, vice president of development.
Learn more about conservation initiatives like Sea Otter Surrogacy.
Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific
Inspiring Future Veterinarians
In honor of National Dolphin Day on April 14, Millie the dolphin from MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach visited the Aquarium for a checkup and brought a few of her friends along to assist Veterinary Tech Louise Leborgne and Dr. Brittany Stevens with the exam. They learned the similarities between animal and human care and helped with a few stuffed animal patients.
“Thank you, Aquarium of the Pacific, for being a wonderful partner and having such a positive impact on the lives of our pediatric patients!” said Rita Goshert, director of the Child Life Program at the hospital. “The Aquarium’s programs and support have touched the lives of hundreds of our pediatric patients and their families through the weekly live television broadcast to patients’ rooms, in-person visits, and opportunities to send many of our families to the Aquarium for special family days.”
Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific
Earth Day Volunteers
To celebrate Earth Day in April, 50 employees from seven of the Aquarium’s corporate supporters got their hands dirty with a morning of habitat restoration at the Los Cerritos Wetlands, a local and crucial habitat in Long Beach. The hard-working volunteers removed 400 plus pounds of non-native, invasive species, while planting more than 70 new plants of eight native species that will grow to restore native habitats for generations to come. Thank you to all who participated.