Guild Dips Into the Sea for Marine Institute Benefit
Leave it to the Sand Dollar Guild to hold a benefit for the Orange County Marine Institute that was environmentally correct.
“Treasures of the Sea” was the theme of the guild’s fourth annual dinner-dance held Saturday at the Dana Point Resort overlooking the Pacific. The $55-per-person gala attracted a crowd of 400 and resulted in real treasure for the Marine Institute--about $35,000 in proceeds.
*Riches of the Deep
In keeping with the party theme, tables were decorated with small treasure chests containing things found along the seashore, including seaweed--painted silver and blue--and mussel shells sprinkled with iridescent glitter.
“We tried to use things that were not intrusive,” said Bobbi Balderman, guild president. “We didn’t use shells that were endangered so we weren’t hurting the environment. Of course, someone had to pick up all of this seaweed and dry it on their porch.”
Guests were also greeted by a miniature King Neptune.
“It doubles at Christmas as a Santa,” joked Peg Maynard, event chairwoman.
After a cocktail reception and silent auction, party-goers enjoyed a dinner of Caesar salad, roasted salmon and chocolate mud pie for dessert. Before heading onto the dance floor, they bid for treasures at a live auction that included such fitting items as a whale-watching trip for 24 and dinner on the Pilgrim, the institute’s tall sailing ship. The auction’s most unusual prize: dinner with Bob Ballard, discoverer of the sunken Titanic and Bismark.
*By the Sea
The Marine Institute in Dana Point Harbor has 42 programs designed for students of all ages to learn about science, the environment and maritime history.
“We want to remind people in Orange County that we have a big ocean just off the coast and that ocean has a lot to teach us,” said Stan Cummings, executive director of the institute.
“Our purpose is to focus attention on what those lessons are through programs and activities.”
The institute has embarked on a major fund-raising campaign to build a marine learning laboratory that will include undersea video robotics, research vessels, artificial tide pools and marine exhibits.
“The money we raise will help Orange County schoolchildren learn to protect and preserve the ocean,” Maynard said.
Faces in the crowd included John and Pat Bates, John Connolly, Joan Hueter, Stephanie Kennington, Marsha Milchiker, Georgelean Olvera, Orange County Supervisor Thomas F. Riley and his wife, Emma Jane, Joanna Scofield and Iris Swanson.
