SEACHANGE 2024
The 17th annual SeaChange Summer Party will be our most remarkable celebration ever. We’ll highlight the global impact of Oceana campaigns, celebrate with our supporters in a magical evening under the stars. For 20 years and counting, Oceana takes on challenges on a global scale—and wins! Because the oceans cover 70% of our planet, ocean health is critical to solving some of the world’s most pressing issues—from climate change to food insecurity. Support for Oceana helps restore and protect thriving ecosystems that mitigate the effects of global warming—and secure sustainable fisheries around the world to feed a billion people a healthy seafood meal every day.
For more information, please email seachange@oceana.org
On Saturday, October 23, supporters gathered at the 14th annual Oceana SeaChange Summer Party in Laguna Beach to celebrate the organization’s 20-year anniversary, to raise funds in support of its ongoing ocean conservation campaigns, and to honor Academy Award-winning actor and activist Laura Dern.
Nearly 300 guests gathered at an exclusive hilltop estate overlooking the Pacific Ocean, helping to raise more than $1.8 million to benefit the international ocean conservation organization founded in 2001.
“20 years ago, we set out to change the way that we all treat the world’s oceans. It sounded far reaching at the time, and yet here we are – just 20 years later – and we’re doing it,” Ted Danson told attendees. The actor, activist, and longtime Oceana board member served as host for the event.
Actor, musician, and Oceana supporter Mary Steenburgen, who is married to Danson, introduced event honoree, Academy Award-winning actress and activist Laura Dern.
“When I get afraid for our future with the overwhelming worries of climate change, you know what I do? I remember what the ocean can do for us. If we just give it a little bit of help,” said Dern, who also told attendees that Danson and Steenburgen are godparents to her two children. “Thanks to Ted, Andy (Sharpless, CEO of Oceana), and the whole Oceana team, I was able to learn how caring for our ocean answered all issues I care so deeply about and had felt powerless to help. Restore the ocean and we drive the future to a better, healthier, happier and more beautiful place. A legacy to our kids and grandchildren and godchildren that they deeply deserve.”
The SeaChange event was held just three weeks after at least 25,000 gallons of oil spilled into the ocean off Southern California, polluting popular beaches and closing fisheries. The spill was top-of-mind for many guests and speakers, including Event Chair and Oceana board member Elizabeth Wahler
“As the daughter of someone who was a pioneer in mitigating the impact of pollution, I find recent events particularly alarming. The latest spill along our coast is just part of the looming catastrophe waiting just offshore,” Wahler said.
“As bad as this recent spill here was, it could have been worse. You could be dealing with many more wells and many more leaky pipelines,” Andrew Sharpless, CEO of Oceana, told attendees. “With your help, Oceana stopped new oil and gas drilling plans – proposed by presidents from both parties. We turned 17 governors in coastal states – again, both Republicans and Democrats – into allies in our battle. Thanks to you, this is now a bipartisan and winning message.”
Sam Waterston, actor, activist, and Chair of Oceana’s Board, encouraged guests that by supporting Oceana’s proven science-based campaigns, they can help protect and restore the world’s oceans.
“Your love for the ocean is what is going to save her now. People’s indifference has brought us here, and you will bring the ocean back,” Waterston said. “Our faith is that the future will bend to good sense, that something apparently impenetrable and impossible will give way to persistence. Oceana has proved that faith to be true.”
The program concluded with a performance by Southern Californian professional surfer turned musician Donavon Frankenreiter, who sang a selection of his hit songs including “Free” and “Move By Yourself”.
Additional celebrity attendees included Brooklyn Decker, June Diane Raphael, January Jones, Billy Magnussen, Oscar Nunez, Ursula Whittaker, Sally Pressman, Christina Ochoa, Austin Nichols, and Aimee Teegarden.
Along with Wahler chairing the SeaChange event, Oceana board member Valarie Van Cleave served as Chair Emeriti and Jeff Blasingame as Vice Chair.
The SeaChange Summer Party is made possible by the generous support of various distinguished local and international businesses and philanthropists. Special thanks to event corporate partners included Blancpain, Biossance, BMW and the Southern California BMW Centers, Conscious Step, Dropps, E&J Gallo, Moroccanoil, Nautica, Nolet Spirits, One Ocean Beauty, The Sak. SeaChange partners and underwriters include Jena King, Jean and Tim Weiss, The Offield Family Foundation, Tricia and Michael Berns, Valaree Wahler, Daria Blyskal, Karen Jordan, Alexander McQueen, The Marisla Foundation, Karen Jaffe, and South Coast Plaza.
Oceana’s exclusive watch partner, Blancpain, was the presenting partner for this year’s event. For nearly 70 years, since the 1953 launch of the world’s first modern diving watch, the Fifty Fathoms, Blancpain has enjoyed historical links to the ocean. Through its ocean exploration and conservation initiative, the Blancpain Ocean Commitment, Blancpain has co-financed 21 major scientific expeditions, including the recent Oceana expedition to the Bajos del Norte reef in Mexico. The two organizations work closely together to further their important contributions to expanding marine protected areas and presenting award-winning documentaries, photo exhibits, and publications.
On Saturday, August 22, supporters tuned in for the first ever virtual SeaChange Summer Party to benefit Oceana, the world’s largest ocean conservation organization. The annual event, in its 13th year, is usually hosted in Laguna Beach, California, and went virtual this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Actors, activists, and Oceana Board of Directors members Ted Danson and Sam Waterston hosted the evening, which featured a special address from Leonardo DiCaprio and a musical performance by Sting of The Police’s 1980 hit song “Don’t Stand So Close To Me.” Miranda Cosgrove, Alexandra Cousteau, Angela Kinsey, Billy Magnussen, Austin Nichols, Oscar Nunez, Christina Ochoa, Sally Pressman, Sam Trammell, and Kate Walsh were also featured.
This year’s benefit focused on how protecting the world’s oceans and restoring abundance benefits both people and the planet.
“Our oceans sustain life. In times like these it’s worth dwelling on the power in that,” Waterston told attendees. “No matter how dire the situation may seem, we have to fight for our oceans because we have to win. And that’s just what Oceana is doing.”
Oceana won multiple policy victories since last year’s SeaChange event, and Oceana CEO Andrew Sharpless shared details on this progress with attendees. “I’m happy to report that despite the pandemic, economic shut down, and all the tumult of this moment, together with our allies, we have again delivered a set of policy outcomes that are protecting and restoring an abundant ocean,” Sharpless said. “Wanting to save the ocean is good. But actually saving it is what really matters. All of you know the difference between good intentions and results. It’s these results that are the SeaChange legacy that we together share.”
SeaChange 2020 was chaired by Elizabeth Wahler and vice-chaired by Jeff Blasingame.
“A healthy ocean is every child’s rightful inheritance,” Wahler said. “There is no organization better positioned than Oceana to work across governments, communities, and science to scale global results.”
The SeaChange online auction included a wide array of exclusive items including a BMW X3 Hybrid SUV, Lindblad Alaska Expedition, travel getaways including to Montage Healdsburg, Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Rosewood Miramar Beach, Pendry West Hollywood, and Park Hyatt Chicago, and luxury items from South Coast Plaza, Versace, Ralph Lauren, and Chopard.
The SeaChange Summer Party is made possible by the generous support of various distinguished local and international businesses and philanthropists. Special thanks to BMW and the Southern California BMW Centers, Dropps, Harriett E. Pfleger Foundation, Jena King, Jean and Tim Weiss, Crevier Family Foundation, Tricia and Michael Berns, Laurie and Steve Duncan, Marisla Foundation, Elizabeth Wahler, and Valaree Wahler.
The 2019 SeaChange Summer Party was another spectacular event! It was a sophisticated, star-studded affair featuring Grammy Award nominee, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriter’s Hall of Fame inductee, Jackson Browne.
This year’s benefit highlighted the Plague of Ocean Plastic Pollution and address the enormous problem of single-use plastic pollution. Guests learned what OCEANA is doing to combat this global plague and what can be done to help.
The event brought together over 400 guests at an exclusive hilltop estate in Laguna Beach, overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean to celebrate the world’s oceans. The SeaChange Summer Party was an unforgettable, fun-filled evening benefiting OCEANA, the world’s largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation.
Like the twelve previous award-winning SeaChange Summer Parties, this magical evening included a world-class silent auction and cocktail reception, followed by a gourmet seated dinner and an exciting live auction. The program concluded with Jackson Browne’s special performance and our SeaChange Post-Party Lounge, where guests danced under the stars.
For more information, please email seachange@oceana.org.
On Saturday, July 21, 2018, Oceana held its 11th Annual SeaChange Summer Party. Ted Danson, Dennis Haysbert, Austin Nichols, Hassie Harrison, Christina Ochoa, and Oscar Nunez were among those who attended.
The 10th annual SeaChange Summer Party was emceed by Ted Danson and featured a special performance by singer-songwriter-actress Katharine McPhee.
“It’s a challenging time for our seas,” Ted Danson told the crowd. “We’ve all seen the headlines: marine life imperiled, critical habitat destroyed, warming waters, coral bleaching, oil spills, and more – the oceans are under threat. But Oceana is built to meet this challenge head on.
The sold-out evening was held at a private coastal villa in Laguna Beach. Approximately 400 guests attended the event, raising more than $1.3 million for Oceana and local ocean conservation efforts.
“Oceana CEO Andy Sharpless spoke on the night’s theme – protecting corals – and noted that “Oceana’s teams are winning battles that will give the corals a chance. We’re fighting to stop expanded ocean oil drilling – a real threat that exists right here off the entire California coast. We’re also fighting to stop coral-destroying bottom trawling. And we’re winning, including recent victories in Chile and the Philippines and new protections for 16,000 square miles right offshore of here.”
SeaChange was co-chaired by Oceana Board Chair Valarie Van Cleave and ocean advocate Elizabeth Wahler together with Event Vice Chair Jeff Blasingame.
“Every year, I am so inspired by the generosity and spirit of this community,” Valarie Van Cleave said. “For more than a decade, the people of Orange County have come together to support healthy oceans. I am humbled by their continued support and thank everyone who came to this year’s SeaChange.”
The program concluded with a performance from Katharine McPhee who sang songs including “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “She Used to Be Mine,” and “God Bless the Child.” “I made a commitment to be at Oceana’s gala six months ago, and I am so happy I was able to come after all,” Katharine McPhee said. “An amazing cause, and a beautiful purpose. Thank you for having me! I adopted two turtles tonight!”
The SeaChange silent and live auctions included a wide array of exclusive items including a Luxury Charter to French Polynesia on Hemisphere, the world’s largest luxury Catamaran, BMW 530e Luxury Hybrid car, a Mikimoto triple strand pearl and diamond Necklace, stunning Villa in Phuket, Thailand and jewelry from Twila True Fine Jewelry and Watches, custom suits from Zegna and David August, jewelry from David Yurman, Julia Post, K. Brunini and Chopard, gorgeous luxury items from Baccarat, Diptyque, Giorgio Armani, Lanvin, Liuli Crystal, Louis Vuitton, MaxMara, Neiman Marcus-Fashion Island, Porsche Design, Ralph Lauren, Roger Vivier, Salvatore Ferragamo, South Coast Plaza, TOD’S, and Versace. Amazing trips and getaways from Royal African Safaris, Four Seasons Lana’i, Lindblad Galapagos, Four Seasons Papagayo- Costa Rica, Baja Discovery Whale Expeditions, Silversands-Grenada, Montage, St. Regis-Aspen, Four Seasons-Bora Bora, Rosewood-Las Ventanas, among others.
The SeaChange Summer Party is made possible by the generous support of various distinguished local and international businesses and philanthropists. Special thanks to Burgess Yachts, Hemisphere, BMW and the Southern California BMW Centers, Coast Magazine, Commerce Printing, Nolet Spirits and Ketel One, One Ocean Beauty, and BV Coastal Estates Wines.
The 2017 SeaChange summer party took place on July 15, 2017 in Laguna Beach, CA.
This year’s Gala special guests included; actor and OCEANA Board Member Sam Waterston and his co-star Lily Tomlin. We will have the pleasure of honoring our Ocean Champions Anne Earhart, Herbert M. Bedolfe, III and the Marisla Foundation for their tireless commitment to the oceans.
The 10 year anniversary of the SeaChange Summer Party was an unforgettable evening, guests celebrated our oceans with a beautiful cocktail reception and inventive hors d’oeuvres, a top-drawer luxury silent and live auction and an extraordinary culinary experience.
On July 30, 2016 – Seth MacFarlane, Sam Waterston, Ted Danson, Jeff Goldblum, Angela Kinsey, Colin Egglesfield, Leonor Varela, Sally Pressman and Olympic swimmer Aaron Peirsol attended the 9th annual SeaChange Summer Party in Laguna Beach on Saturday evening to support Oceana, the world’s largest ocean conservation organization.
The event recognized the multi-talented Seth MacFarlane for his longtime support of Oceana and work as an advocate for the oceans. The sold-out evening was held at a private coastal villa in Laguna Beach. Over 400 guests attended the event, raising more than $1.3 million to protect the oceans.
Award-winning actor and longtime Oceana Board Member Ted Danson mingled with guests and led the night as Master of Ceremonies.
Oceana also recognized Eve and Mike Ruffatto as 2016 Ocean Champions for their dedication to ocean conservation and generous support of Oceana. Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra captivated guests with a special jazz performance to bring the program to a close. Party-goers then spent time dancing in the ocean breeze at the Post-Party Lounge.
The Eighth Annual SeaChange Summer Party – “Mad about the Oceans” – with special guests Jon Hamm and Oceana Ambassador January Jones took place on August 1, 2015. The event took place on the private beaches of The Strand in Dana Point with over 400 guests in attendance.
The evening’s honoree was Dr. Enric Sala, a National Geographic explorer-in-residence actively engaged in exploration, research, and communications to advance ocean conservation. Other guests included Kiernan Shipka, Sam Waterston, Beth Behrs, Michael Gladis, Aimee Teegarden, Nolan Gould, Billy Joe Armstrong, Oscar Nunez, Leonor Varela, Lillimar Hernandez, and Olympic swimmer Aaron Peirsol.
The 2015 program highlighted Oceana’s Save the Oceans, Feed the World campaign, which aims to restore the biodiversity and abundance of the world’s oceans to support a growing global population. The evening was capped with a musical performance by actress and singer Bethany Joy Lenz. Party-goers then spent time dancing in the ocean breeze at the Post Party Lounge.
The seventh-annual SeaChange Summer Party took place on August 16th, and featured special guest Leonardo DiCaprio plus special host Ted Danson and Master of Ceremonies Dennis Haysbert.
Like all of the previous award-winning SeaChange parties, the evening was a wonderful garden party at a magnificent private villa overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The evening included a world-class auction and cocktail reception, followed by a gourmet seated dinner and exciting live auction and program. The night ended with fire dancers and our SeaChange Post-Party Lounge, where guests danced under the stars and celebrated the oceans.
The evening raised more than 1.5 million dollars that will go towards our work restoring and protecting the oceans both here locally and around the world.
2013 marked the sixth year of Oceana’s annual SeaChange Summer Party. On the evening of Sunday, August 18, stars and ocean lovers gathered at the beautiful Villa di Sogni overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Laguna Beach to celebrate the event. Featured singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow delighted guests with a private concert to benefit Oceana.
The fifth anniversary SeaChange Summer Party took place on July 29th, and featured special guest Morgan Freeman plus Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. Our special Mistress of Ceremonies was Alexandra Cousteau, granddaughter of the famed ocean explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
At the event, Oceana also acknowledged our Ocean Champions, Michael & Tricia Berns and South Coast Plaza, for their extraordinary support.Other celebrities in attendance included Ted Danson, Ed Begley Jr., 24’s Dennis Haysbert, Glee’s Jenna Ushkowitz, Fairly Legal’s Sarah Shahi, Shamless star Steve Howie, Disney star Bella Thorne, Friday Night Lights’ Aimee Teegarden, Beverly D’Angelo, The Good Wife’s Graham Phillips, and The Hangover’s Rachael Harris. In a musical performance, The Secret Life of the American Teenager star Renee Olstead joined Jeff Goldblum’s band to sing Etta James’ “At Last” which brought down the house. Approximately 400 guests attended the 2012 event, which raised over $1,000,000 for Oceana.
2011’s SeaChange event, which was hosted by actress Angela Kinsey and actor Ted Danson, featured special guests Diane Lane and Josh Brolin. Both Brolin and Lane gave passionate speeches about the need to protect the world’s oceans. Other celebrities in attendance included Aimee Teegarden, Jeff Goldblum, Ed Begley Jr., Q’orianka Kilcher, Oscar Nunez, and Austin Stowell. See some selected press hits. Help us turn the tide for the oceans by donating and participating in the 2014 SeaChange Summer Party. To learn more, e-mail seachange@oceana.org.
