'Protect & Preserve' Giving Day Set For September 1

LAGUNA BEACH, CA—Pacific Marine Mammal Center has partnered with the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) on a collaborative giving day called Protect & Preserve. The goal is to raise $75,000 in just 24 hours on September 1.

The funds will go toward seven local nonprofits whose conservation and stewardship efforts directly impact OC’s open spaces and marine protected areas. From the mean high-tide line seaward, Laguna Beach's coast is protected by law as part of California's MPA program, including Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area, Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve and Laguna Beach State Conservation Area.

Joining PMMC on September 1’s Giving Day are the Laguna Canyon Foundation, Laguna Ocean Foundation, Newport Bay Conservancy, OC Habitats, Ocean Defenders Alliance and The Ecology Center.

“The Protect & Preserve Giving Day will provide much-needed support to Orange County nonprofits working as strategic and effective stewards of Orange County’s natural ecosystems,” said Shelley Hoss, president and CEO, OCCF. “We are proud to support conservation of our natural resources and access to open space for all Orange County residents to enjoy.”

The marine protected areas of OC's coastline include 12 of the county's 44-mile coast. But PMMC is responsible for the entire span, from Son Onofre to Seal Beach. PMMC "rescues, rehabilitates and releases marine mammals along the entire Orange County coastline... In addition, the organization inspires ocean stewardship through science-based education and collaborative research."

For 50 years, the center has successfully pursued and expanded its goals, almost entirely funded by generous individuals and foundations. And through its in-house gift shop, which offers environmentally sustainable gifts and merchandise. While their rescue and rehabilitation work continued throughout the pandemic, the Giving Day efforts will help make up for associated shortfalls.

“Although the community has gradually opened up after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are still not yet at full strength with regard to our revenue streams,” said Peter Chang, PMMC CEO. “Many grants and individual donors are rightfully prioritizing health and human services, and there remain capacity and access limitations with our onsite fee-based education programs."

Orange County Community Foundation is dedicated to working with donors and nonprofits to meet the community's variety of needs. Since its inception in 1989, the foundation has awarded nearly $830 million in grants and scholarships.

To donate to one or all of the seven exemplary organizations on September 1's Protect & Preserve, go to OCCF's Giving Day page for direct links and more information.