2017 Poseidon Award Goes to Dr. Bill Bushing

Dr. Bill Bushing (in blue) with family and friends

About 200 Reef Check supporters enjoyed a perfect southern California evening on the beach at our annual Save the Reefs, Save the Oceans Gala in Santa Monica on September 28.  Attendees were treated to a delicious dinner, live music by Maria de la Vega and the Wayward Five, a silent auction packed with lots of eye-catching items, an exciting live auction, and a beautiful sunset. In the excitement of live bidding for a D’Angelico electric guitar autographed by pop singer Cody Simpson, the donor on the spot offered up a second one to the second-highest bidder! We also honored this year’s Hero of the Reef, Dr. Bill Bushing, for his 50 years of dedication to marine conservation and education. Based on Catalina Island, Dr. Bushing has been a leader in marine science education through films, TV shows, a popular blog, and teaching that has helped thousands of people to appreciate the value of the ocean. Upon accepting the award, Dr. Bushing, surrounded by a large group of his extended family stated, \”You are all heroes of the reef.\”  His speech was inspirational, a true high point of the evening.  The annual gala raises funds to support Reef Check’s programs to save our reef ecosystems in California and abroad.  Thank you to all who attended, donated and supported this year’s gala! Major sponsors included Dive N’ Surf, Houlihan Lokey, NOVA Medical Products, and Lockton Insurance Brokers, LLC.

Photos of the gala can be found at http://tinyurl.com/ReefCheck2017
 

Photos by Debbie Lefever
Poseidon Award given to Dr. Bill Bushing	Maria de la Vega and the Wayward Five entertained guests throughout the evening	Guests enjoy a gorgeous evening at the Jonathan Beach Club
Dr. Bill Bushing graciously accepts his alongside his son, Reef Check Board Chair Helen Brierley and Reef Check Board Member Linden Wolbert	Reef Check Executive Director Dr. Gregor Hodgson addresses guests	Reef Check Board Member Linden Wolbert shows off an electric guitar auctioned off during the evening’s live auction