http://www.ocean-institute.org
(L) Frank Capolupo, volunteer of the year, Dan Stetson, president of the Ocean Institute.
The Ocean Institute is pleased to announce that Frank Capolupo of San Juan Capistrano has been selected as its 2011 Volunteer of the Year. Capolupo has been a volunteer since January 2009.
“Our volunteers play an important role in helping the Ocean Institute be successful in its mission, ocean preservation through education,” remarked Linda Blanchard, the Institute’s volunteer director. “While we have many outstanding volunteers, Frank is truly the best of the best.”
Capolupo is a retired representative of companies in the plastics industry. He volunteers over 300 hours annually. He remarked, “I wanted to be a volunteer because I love the ocean and it’s my way of giving back to the kids.”
His volunteer duties include giving public tours, manning the information booth and assisting with fundraising events. Blanchard observed, “Frank does an excellent job explaining the work of the Ocean Institute, and inspiring others to lend support to our efforts.”
Having worked in the plastics industry, Capolupo knows how harmful plastics, improperly disposed of, can have on our oceans. He served on the advisory board of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation of Long Beach, which seeks to preserve our oceans, specifically educating them on the plastics industry.
He concluded, “I’m humbled and honored to be named Volunteer of the Year. When I get involved in a project, I dive right in and give my all. I very much appreciate the Institute for recognizing my contributions.”
Additional volunteers for the Ocean Institute are always welcome. Contact Linda Blanchard at (949) 496-2274, ext. 221.
Founded in 1977, the Ocean Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to ocean preservation through education, setting the standard for educational excellence and serving as a leading resource for universities, museums, teachers and all others seeking to increase their knowledge of the ocean. The Ocean Institute is 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 everyday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Institute address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. Website: www.ocean-institute.org. Phone: (949) 496-2274.
