The Ocean Institute invites members of the public to participate in a Sea Star Stroll fundraising walk, which will kick off the opening of the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center expansion, on Saturday, May 16, 8 a.m. at the Strand Beach parking lot, just over a mile away from the Institute.
Walkers will proceed to the Institute for opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. The celebration will include public recognition of donors, food and live music, and crafts for children.
Ocean artist Wyland (www.wyland) will serve as celebrity chair.
The expansion of the Center, which will be open to the public, includes the addition of a hands-on interpretive center in the current courtyard and lobby area of the Institute.
The first phase of the project was the opening of the dock portion of the Seaside Learning Center in 2013, the second and final stage will include the addition of four educational activity areas inside Institute’s main lobby, courtyard and on the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center, a new floating teaching platform with a laboratory, technology center and historic maritime learning stations.
“It’s long been our desire to be open to the public on a daily basis,” said Dan Stetson, Ocean Institute president. “With the completion of our Maddie James Seaside Learning Center Expansion, this desire will become a reality.”
Members of the public are encouraged participate in the Sea Star Stroll fundraiser. Prizes will be awarded to top fundraising participants. These include:
Club Sea Star: Raise at least $100 and you will become a member of Club Sea Star and receive a free one year membership to the Ocean Institute.
Club Wyland: Raise at least $500 and you will earn membership to Club Wyland, with an invitation to an exclusive awards dinner with Wyland, our celebrity chair.
Wyland Prize for #1 Top Fundraiser: In addition to automatic membership in Club Wyland, the individual who raises the most money for this year’s Sea Star Stroll will earn an original, signed Chinese brush art painting created by Wyland. Wyland will personally award the prize at the awards dinner.
Top Team Fundraising Prize: The Sea Star Stroll team that raises the most money will be awarded a tall ship sail for 40 aboard the Spirt of Dana Point.
For additional information and to register, visitwww.seastarstroll.com.
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What: |
Sea Star Stroll, a 1.2-mile family-friendly fundraising walk around the coastal bluffs of Dana Point and the Grand Opening Celebration of the expansion of the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center. |
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When: |
Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. / Grand Opening Ceremony at 10:00 a.m. |
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Where: |
Starting line is at Strand Vista Park (at the end of Selva Road) in Dana Point |
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Registration: |
$25 for adults and $15 for children through March 31, $30 for adults and $20 for children after. Online registration closes on May 15. Visitwww.seastarstroll.com to register. |
The Ocean Institute is a non-profit organization which seeks to demystify the world of science, empower children to become tomorrow’s scientific leaders, and deepen society’s appreciation of how the ocean and science impact our lives.
Established in 1977, the Ocean Institute uses the mystery and allure of the ocean to inspire 115,000 students per year with more than 60 award-winning ocean science and maritime history programs. We’re located in Dana Point Harbor alongside the tide pools of a Marine Protected Area, and we use the ocean as the classroom to inspire students of all ages to learn.
We’re open to the general public on weekends, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost: $6.50 adults, $4.50 children (ages 4-12), Ocean Institute members free. Unique maritime and ocean-themed items are available in the Chambers Gallery every day, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Institute address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. Website: www.ocean-institute.org. Phone: (949) 496-2274.
Jim Graves
