The ocean covers over 70% of Earth’s surface, which is why it’s crucial that we all prioritize ocean health. Taking care of the vast, blue ocean of our planet will help solve some of the world’s biggest problems—from climate change, to pollution, food insecurity and beyond. That’s why for over 20 years, international advocacy organization Oceana has been working hard to save the ocean. Oceana has helped stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, and their work continues to make an impact as each day goes by.
It was a star-studded night as top celebrities gathered together to show their support at Oceana’s 16th Annual SeaChange Summer Party, which took place on July 22 at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and Club in Dana Point, CA. Hosted by Grace & Frankie star June Diane Raphael, the event saw attendees including Reese Witherspoon, Ava Philippe, Paul Scheer, Oscar Nunez, Nick Viall, Christina Ochoa, Sally Pressman, and Andrew Spencer.
Iconic actor and ocean advocate Morgan Freeman was honored at the event. He gave an inspiring speech at the party and said, “In the US and around the world, thanks to Oceana and its allies, our oceans have a fighting chance. Not that long ago—as recently as the year 2000, 38% of US fisheries were overfished. Today, that percentage has been reduced to less than 20%, half of what it once was. That is tremendous progress. However, much remains to be done here and across the globe. Whales and other marine mammals are under pressure because of fishing and other threats like plastic pollution.”
Emcee June Diane Raphael shared her enthusiasm over hosting the impactful event and said, “It was such a huge honor to host the @oceana SeaChange Summer Party. If you are an ocean lover like me please follow them to learn about the remarkable work they are doing protecting and restoring our oceans.”
The prolific Reese Witherspoon posted several gorgeous photos from the event with her daughter Ava as seen in the post below. Along with the Instagram carousel, she wrote, “Perfect summer night with my girl @avaphillippe 🌊💗 learning all about @oceana incredible conservation work 🌊 ✨🦈 #BiossancePartner.”
Sally Pressman encouraged all of her followers to join the incredible cause. She wrote along with a post she shared on Instagram, “I’ve worked with @oceana for over a decade. No other organization has done as much for the oceans and their marine life. In case you don’t know, TODAY marks the start of #sharkweek 🦈 Join me and @oceana as we call on @CaliforniaDFW and @GavinNewsom to protect all sharks and other ocean animals from deadly fishing gear in California’s waters today 🦈💙🌊 Donations to @oceana also help. Follow @oceana for all they do and all you can do to help. If it’s good enough for @morganfreeman, the honoree at this summer’s @oceanaseachange, then it’s good enough for anyone! 💙🌊💙🌊”
Rock band Third Eye Blind gave a spectacular performance at the event and also shared some words about the importance of protecting the world’s ocean.
This year’s event raised over $1.5M to support Oceana’s stupendous work. It’s truly admirable to see what Oceana has and continues to do. Check out some more photos below from Oceana’s 16th Annual SeaChange Summer Party. Learn more about Oceana here.
Photo Credits: Ryan Miller / Capture Imaging and Movi Inc.
