This current year has held a lot of hope, and it is exciting to see our lives progress towards a more “normal” atmosphere. AltaSea is directing attention to hosting another successful Blue Hour, our annual fundraiser supporting our education and outreach programs.
AltaSea is happy to announce that we have been awarded $30,000 from the Council District 15 Community Grant program. This money will make available 100 complimentary tickets to Blue Hour: Ocean of Inclusion to AltaSea community supporters chosen by our Blue Hour partners. Council District 15 joins a growing list of sponsors including Air Products and West Harbor.
Councilman Joe Buscaino awarding AltaSea $30,000
This year’s theme is Ocean of Inclusion with a focus on coming together in support of the ocean to celebrate both education and the diversity of the Los Angeles harbor communities. What makes Blue Hour such a unique event is that AltaSea successfully combines a focus on science and education with art that inspires the next generation. This year, AltaSea is partnering with the Korean Cultural Center of Los Angeles, the Korean Friendship Bell Preservation Committee, and Angels Gate Cultural Center.
Blue Hour: Ocean of Inclusion will take place on October 9, 2021 at Angels Gate Park in San Pedro. Activities that evening will feature an artist exhibit that displays the work of those inspired by the ocean and a VIP reception sponsored by Braid Theory and Monarch Hill Spirits. Dr. Carlie Wiener, Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Director of Communications and Engagement Strategy, will provide a Q & A session on their Artist-at-Sea program. Monarch Hill Spirits is also crafting a signature kelp gin drink for the reception! Another highlight of Blue Hour is 4-time Emmy Award winning cameraman and marine biologist, Rick Rosenthal, providing a sneak preview to his upcoming 2-part film series, Planet California. With advanced degrees in marine biology, Rick draws on his scientific expertise to capture extraordinary wildlife behavior on camera. Honorees for the evening include the Schmidt Ocean Institute with others to be announced soon. You can see highlights from last year’s event here.
Proceeds from this event go towards AltaSea’s Project Blue, an educational resource that reaches thousands of students. This last year alone, and in the throes of a global pandemic, Project Blue provided live science instruction to 4,000 students; held 21 live chats and 13 webinars (totaling 4,818 viewers); and hosted 16 students as researchers or interns. Reaching the next generation of ocean explorers and innovators is vastly important in fighting the issues that our oceans face today. AltaSea and its programs like Project Blue are vital tools in not only reaching that generation, but also making them successful as they work towards sustainable ocean careers.
AltaSea cannot wait to make more announcements in the near future and we hope to see you in attendance.
