Grand Grunion Gala – Friends of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Don’t miss the best beach party in town at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium! We’ll kick off the evening with craft cocktails and a silent auction at 5 p.m., followed by a gourmet dinner, program and live auction in the courtyard. Then join us for dancing under the stars!

2025 GALA PHOTO ALBUM

We expect over 400 guests, including business, community and civic leaders, scientists, educators, volunteers and friends. Our guests make the Gala the Aquarium’s largest fundraiser, raising more than $3 million in the last decade.

GALA ATTIRE

GALA MENU

HONORING

APM Terminals Los Angeles

John M. Olguin Marine Environment Award

For setting the standard as a leader in environmental innovations on the Los Angeles waterfront.

THE NEED

Recognized internationally as one of the best teaching aquariums in the world, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium offers 250,000 visitors each year a FREE or low-cost experience that’s fun for the entire family. About half of our annual visitors are schoolchildren on field trips— many of whom tell us they’ve never been to the beach! Your support funds programs benefitting the entire community, including:

• Ocean Outreach – When classes can’t come to us, we take our show on the road, reaching up to 25,000 students annually with our custom-equipped vans.
• Spring Outdoor Classroom – Every day for nine weeks, more than 1,000 children learn important (and fun!) marine science on the beach right outside our doors.
• Aquatic Nursery – Young scientists conduct research projects in our award-winning laboratory. Many go on to win prizes at regional, national and international science fairs.
• Sea Search – Specially tailored workshops provide students with scientific tools to study the coastal environment. Scholarships help at-risk children experience the ocean–some for the
first time.

SPONSOR THE EVENT

TITLE $25,000
Seating for 20 in a premium location. Four bottles of premium wine. Title sponsor listing in invitation and on event signage. Website and social media recognition. Special mention and/or video during program. VIP cabana seating at after party.

DIAMOND $15,000
Seating for 12 in a premium location. Two bottles of premium wine. Diamond sponsor listing in invitation and on event signage. Website and social media recognition. Special mention and/or video during program. Reserved seating at after party.

PLATINUM $10,000
Seating for 10 in a preferred location. Two bottles of premium wine. Platinum sponsor listing in invitation and on event signage. Website and social media recognition. Special mention during program.

GOLD $7,500
Seating for 8 in a preferred location. Two bottles of wine. Gold sponsor listing in invitation and on event signage. Website and social media recognition. Mention during program.

SILVER $5,000
Seating for 6. Silver sponsor listing in invitation and on event signage. Website and social media recognition. Mention during program.

BRONZE $3,500
Seating for 4. Bronze sponsor listing in invitation and on event signage. Website and social media recognition. Mention during program.

TABLE SPONSOR $2,750
Seating for 10. Name/logo at table.

*Please feel free to call us if you would like to customize your sponsorship.

SPONSOR THE EVENT

LIVE AUCTION

Preview our Live Auction items below.

Luxurious 7-Day Cruise for Two on Holland America Line

When you step aboard one of the five-star ships of Holland America Line, you will experience a voyage unlike any other. Choose any Caribbean or Mexico cruise for two up to seven days in length. Your journey will include extraordinary dining, spacious staterooms, elegant surroundings and days filled with new discoveries and gracious pampering by an award-winning crew.

Guests receiving the cruise certificate will choose their specific cruise date and itinerary. Certificate valid for two guests sharing the same stateroom and does not include taxes, fuel supplement or surcharges as applicable. Some restrictions apply.

Gift from Holland America

4-Night Stay at Marival Emotions in Nuevo Vallarta or Marival Armony in Punta Mita for Two

Escape to Mexico’s breathtaking Riviera Nayarit with your choice of two exceptional all-inclusive beachfront resorts. Whether you prefer the lively energy of Marival Emotions in Nuevo Vallarta or the serene sophistication of Marival Armony in Punta Mita, you’ll experience warm hospitality, beautiful Pacific Ocean views, outstanding dining, and the effortless relaxation that makes this coastline one of Mexico’s premier vacation destinations. Spend your days lounging beside sparkling pools, enjoying beachfront service, exploring nearby coastal towns, or simply unwinding with unlimited food and drinks. Some restrictions apply.

Gift from Charity Booster

Kick back in Kauai with a 7-Night Stay

Chill out and kick back in Kauai with a seven-night stay in Pili Mai, the south shore’s newest development, adjacent to Poipu’s ocean-view Kiahuna Champion Golf Course. This spacious condo is perfect for families and friends and is within walking distance of Poipu Shopping Center and Poipu Beach.

Quiet and peaceful, the large outdoor dining table seats eight and is perfect for making memories to last a lifetime. The ground floor access extends the lanai space with a beautiful, manicured lawn great for young ones and sun catching. The spacious three-bedroom layout offers privacy with two master suites, one on each end and a wide-open kitchen/living floor plan. A fully stocked kitchen is available to create homey meals. The complex’s amenities won’t disappoint with a sparkling pool, relaxing hot tub and fitness center.

Based on availability. Guests pay a $450 cleaning fee. Expires September 12, 2027.

Gift from Jimmy Pandora

7-Night Stay in Mazatlan for up to 8

Escape to the sun with a 7-night stay in beautiful Mazatlán, Mexico! Just minutes from the beach, this spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is the perfect getaway for families or friends, comfortably accommodating up to 8 guests. Located in the peaceful Cerritos area within a private community, this home offers both relaxation and convenience. Whether you’re looking for beach days, family time, or a relaxing escape in one of Mazatlán’s most desirable neighborhoods, this unforgettable vacation stay has it all.

Gift from Marco Vasquez and Rotary Club of San Pedro

Princess Cruises Voyage

Discover paradise on a seven-day Princess cruise vacation for two to Mexico or the Caribbean in a deluxe balcony stateroom. Prize includes cruise fare, plus taxes, fees and gratuities. Pre-cruise hotel or air fare is not included. Welcome Aboard!

Gift from Princess Cruises

Dodgers vs. SF Giants on Friday, September 18, 2026, 7:15pm

Enjoy a night at Dodgers Stadium with 4 MVP Field Level Tickets! You’ll be close to the action sitting in Row M, Seats 5-8. Even better, these tickets come with 1 complimentary Parking Pass!

Gift from SA Recycling

Palm Springs Escape

Escape reality with a two-night stay in a newly-refurbished, Mid-Century Spanish style solar home with three bedrooms and three baths. Located away from the main street with exceptional San Jacinto Mountain Views and part of the exclusive four-home Smoke Tree Court enclave that has its own private tennis court.

Enjoy the private backyard featuring a private, newly remodeled pool/spa. The well-appointed kitchen is perfect for entertaining and has everything you need. The main King bedroom has a double vanity bathroom, walk in closet, walk-in shower and bathtub. Also includes a gift certificate towards the purchase of any San Andreas Fault Jeep or Hiking Tour and a Family Four-Pack to the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens.

Reservations are required and subject to availability. Expires September 12, 2027. Check expiration dates for activities.

Gift from Tim and Amanda McCarthy, Red Jeep Tours, and Living Desert Zoo & Gardens

Champagne & Oyster Soiree and Hatchery Tour for 12

Enjoy the nautical farm to table experience in style from hatchery to home. Start the afternoon with a VIP tour of the Holdfast Aquaculture Hatchery to see firsthand how the most delicious oysters are sustainably produced. Raised in the cold, pristine waters of Morro Bay, Holdfast Aquaculture’s artisanal oysters are cultivated with love on their farm, Grassy Bar Oyster Company, and are exceptionally fresh. Each oyster is hand-picked and of the highest quality. Then, head to the Jacobson’s home to gather for a soiree on the bluffs. Take in the views from this fabulous South Shores home overlooking Catalina and raise a toast to the evening! Enjoy delicious, farm fresh oysters, champagne, appetizers, and a sunset to remember. Date to be agreed upon by hosts and attendees.

Gift from Holdfast Aquaculture, Ian Jacobson, and John & Lucrecia Jacobson

7-Day, 6-Night San Felipe Stay

It’s time to relax at the fabulous La Ventana Del Mar Golf Resort on the Sea of Cortez in San Felipe, Mexico. This ocean-view townhouse includes three bedrooms and 3.5 baths for up to six guests. This great getaway opportunity also includes one round of golf for up to 2 players per day. With its short walk to the beach, you can’t go wrong.

Not available November 1 – March 31 or the week of the San Felipe (formerly Baja) 250. Expires two years from auction date on September 12, 2028.

Gift from David Hensler and Karen Greenberg