THE RIPPLE EFFECT Fall Update
OCTOBER 2023
A Welcome from Dr.Wendy
Dear Ocean Institute Supporters, Look what YOU did!
It is with great pride that we share this newsletter with you. We hope you will feel the profound impact of the learning experiences made possible through the generosity of YOU: Our steadfast donors, sponsors, and supporters. We highlight and celebrate our shared accomplishments here.
We not only share with you a love of the ocean, children, and education, but we unfortunately, share the same turbulence brought on by the inflation wave. As electricity, fuel, and insurance costs rise, we dig deep and do more to ensure that our field trip programs remain accessible to all learners. More grants, events, programs, experiences, and expert speakers! We roll up our sleeves before we put out our hands.
Ocean Institute invites you to dive in and do more to support us too! Visit us, enjoy our programs, donate, bring your friends and neighbors to a Distinguished Speaker event, go on a Marine Mammal Cruise, have your parties, reunions, corporate events, or holiday parties with us, or call us for a private tour or cruise! You, and the students you support, will carry that “BEST DAY EVER” feeling for many, many days beyond your experience!
Please read on and enjoy all that we have accomplished, and let’s continue to do more together.
With gratitude, Dr Wendy
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Educational Program Impacts
The Ocean Institute's mission is to use the ocean as a classroom to inspire children's learning. Our educational programs, whether supported through the Adopt-A-Class Program or through partnerships with schools, have a far-reaching impact, benefiting students not only in our local community but also nationwide.
15,557
Total number of students served for in 2023 so far
245
Total number of different schools reached for the 20222023 school year
9 California Counties
Total Number of California counties covered by Ocean Institute Educational Programming
8,000 5 Different States Served
Schools from Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Texas, and Colorado participated in in-person programming at Ocean Institute
50
Total number of unique education programs that Ocean Institute offers
Total number of AdoptA-Class Students that have been served for the 2022-2023 school year.
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Adopt-A-Class Impact
The Adopt-A-Class’s mission is to help give underserved students, primarily from Title I schools, the opportunity to visit the Ocean Institute for no program fee. In addition, this program allows students to have a memorable, hands-on experience with the ocean and surrounding environment.
70
Different schools in the highlighted counties were served through the Adopt-A-Class Program
8,000
Total number of AdoptA-Class Students that have been served for the 2022-2023 school year.
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Note-Worthy Moments at Ocean Institute
The Ocean Institute has had many note-worthy moments in its longstanding histo as an iconic, nonprofit in the Dana Point community. These moments stand out to and reflect our enduring commitment to accessible ocean education, conservatio and community engagement.
Making a splash at summer camp!
We are thrilled to share the exciting news that the Ocean Institute has received prestigious awards this year! We were honored as the Number 1 Summer Camp in Dana Point by Dana Point Magazine, and recognized as the Best Summer Camp At Sea for the 2023 Summer season by Parenting OC Magazine
These accolades reflect the dedication and hard work of our amazing staff and counselors who consistently went above and beyond to ensure the safety and engagement of our campers through fun and educational activities We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the campers and their families for placing their trust in us this summer. Your support and trust are greatly appreciated!
Ocean Institute inaugural inspiration award winner, Leonardo Lin
Have
Having once taken part in Ocean Institute’s education programs as a student, Leonard Lin found his passion for marine life ignited by the immersive experiences and engaging programs offered by the Ocean Institute. The Ocean Institute's commitment to fostering understanding and stewardship of our oceans left an indelible mark on Leonard, motivating him to give back in a meaningful way.
Leonard Lin’s, World of Sharks book, a captivating exploration of the world of these fascinating ocean creatures, has garnered attention and captured the hearts of readers of all ages Recognizing the significant role that the Ocean Institute played in nurturing his love for the seas, Leonard decided to donate all of the book's proceeds to support the institute's ongoing educational endeavors. The donation reflects Leonard’s heartfelt gratitude for the institute's role in shaping his understanding of marine ecosystems and its dedication to inspiring a new generation of ocean advocates.
A Message from Leonard Lin:
“I became passionate about sharks when my father gifted me a shark encyclopedia for my 5th birthday. Ever since, it has been my dream to publish my own book. This year, I wrote and illustrated my first shark book titled, “World of Sharks ” I hope that the book’s proceeds donated to the Ocean Institute will contribute to its shark aquarium!”
Have you met a distinguished speaker yet?...
The Ocean Institute's Distinguished Speakers Series offers our guests a unique opportunity to delve into various ocean-focused fields, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our programs and events Our distinguished speakers are experts in their respective fields, providing valuable insights, research findings, and perspectives on critical marine and environmental topics. These engaging presentations serve as a platform for enriching discussions and fostering a deeper understanding of the ocean ' s complex and vital role in our world. We are committed to providing our community with access to these thought leaders to inspire, educate, and spark meaningful conversations about ocean conservation and exploration
Aug. 2023:
Sept 2023:
Oct 2023:
Jul. 2023: Oriana Poindexter Artist and Marine Scientist
Capt. Brett McBride Shark Researcher and Captain
Laura Frank Marine Spatial Planner
Ann & Milt McMenamin Whale Experts
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you seen Octavius yet!
Maritime Festival
Watch our 2023 Maritime Festival video on youtube by clicking here: or scan the Qr Code:
Check out our maritime festival 2023 insert that was published in dana point times, SC Times and Capo Dispatch.
click here: Maritime Festival Insert
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CEAN INSTITUTE | Dana Point Harbor This year’s Maritime Festival garnered various local and national media stories that reached over 700M readers. The advertising value equivalency totaled over $120,000 The 2023 Maritime Festival was seen in.. Maritime Maritime Festival Festival 39TH ANNUAL 39TH ANNUAL Interested in becoming sponsor next year for our 40th annual maritime festival? KaitlynDavidson Growth Marketing Manager kdavidson@oceaninstitute.org 949.496.2274 714.856.3292 Contact: 6 Click the anchor for a sea shanty from our favorite pirate band!
Community Impact
8,500
Total amount of volunteer hours donated to Ocean Institute for 2022-2023
75,000
Total Amount of People served at Ocean Institute between 2022 and 2023
$1,063,000
Total amount raised in between October and November 2022 for our Operations Funds
$493,000
Total amount raised for Adopt-A-Class between 2022 and 2023
300
Total number of Teens served through Girls in Ocean Science and The Stan Cummings Scholars Program between 2022 and 2023
2,750
Total number of children served through Ocean Institute Summer Camps between 2022 & 2023
Our community has played an integral role in Ocean Institute's mission to transform the ocean into our classroom, where we ignite children's passion for learning! Whether you've held events at our facility or visited us during our general admission weekends, each interaction with the Ocean Institute contributes directly to our educational efforts. These numbers reflect the significant progress we've made thanks to your support and the outcomes resulting from these contributions.
See page 11 Number to beat in 2023! 7
The figures below show specific examples of the impact of inflation
The Nature of Running a Nonprofit NOW THEN
Yearly Marine Insurance
This difference could have served nearly 150 Adopt-A-Class Programs, or 7,500 underserved students
$129,000 $396,000
Yearly Marine Insurance
Cost per gallon of fuel for our Research Vessel, Sea Explorer
$8,700
$3.36
$4.85
Cost per gallon of fuel for our Research Vessel, Sea Explorer
The costdifferenceof$5,800 couldfeed all of our aquarium animalsfor a whole year!
One of the many utilities that have increased
Holy “mackerel!”
$13,500
It costs $1,341 more in 2023 eachtime we fill up our vesselthan it did in 2019 . This amount could fund an entire class of students to visitus.... per month per month
Electricity Bill.
2019 2023 Electricity Bill.
One of the many utilities that have increased
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t“Watts”Upwith hat!? “Current” pricesarekilling us!
Upcoming Events
We're thrilled to announce some exciting upcoming events at the Ocean Institute! To secure tickets or RSVP, simply click on the provided images or scan the QR codes to be directed to our tickets and reservations page Don't miss out on these fantastic experiences!
S p o o k y S e a s | O c t . 2 1
9 S t o k e d o n S c i e n c e | N o v . 4 & 5 H ō k ū l e ʻ a c a n o e a t O c e a n I n s t i t u t e | N o v . 4N o v . 8 P a r a d e o f L i g h t s | D e c . 81 0
Don’t Miss the Boat!
The Ocean Institute offers a unique and captivating venue for holiday parties, corporate experiences, and team-building events. With its stunning coastal location, state-of-the-art conference facilities, and engaging marine science programs, it provides an ideal setting for both professional gatherings and memorable celebrations. Whether you're looking to host a productive conference, foster team cohesion through exciting team-building activities, or throw a festive party by the ocean, the Ocean Institute offers a versatile and inspiring environment for a wide range of corporate events. Click here to learn more! Or Scan the QR code!
5 Things to know about becoming a member at the Ocean Institute...
Exclusive Access: Members enjoy exclusive events and activities for a deeper marine science experience.
Educational Discounts: Members get discounts on educational programs, making them more accessible, especially for families.
Whale Watching and Sailing: Members can experience discounted whale-watching and sailing adventures along Dana Point's beautiful coast.
Community Involvement: Membership allows participation in community events and conservation efforts.
Reciprocal Perks: Members can access discounts or free entry to other educational and cultural attractions across the country.
What are you waiting for!? Share it with us!
Click here or scan the QR-Code to the right and scroll to send us your stories of the impact Ocean Institute has made in your life!
DoyouhaveanoIstory?...
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10 h o l i d a y p a r t i e s a n d c o r p o r a t e e x p e r i e n c e p a c k a g e s
Ways to support the ocean institute...
Become a volunteer!
Becoming a volunteer at the Ocean Institute offers a unique chance to directly contribute to marine education and conservation, fostering a deeper connection to the ocean and its wonders while making a positive impact on the environment. It also provides an opportunity to be part of a passionate community of individuals dedicated to preserving and sharing the beauty and importance of our oceans.
join us here for events!
Joining us at the Ocean Institute for our events promises exciting experiences that will deepen your appreciation for marine life and the coastal environment. From captivating lectures to interactive workshops, our events offer opportunities to connect with experts, learn about ocean science, and enjoy unforgettable moments by the sea.
treat yourself to a membership!
With exclusive access to captivating marine exhibits, educational programs, and exciting events, you'll embark on a journey of discovery while supporting marine education and conservation. Join our vibrant community of ocean enthusiasts and experience the beauty and mystery of the ocean like never before.
become a sponsor, partner or donor!
Make a lasting impact on marine education and conservation by becoming a valued sponsor or donor of the Ocean Institute. Your support empowers us to inspire future generations and protect our precious coastal environment. Join us in fostering a deeper connection to the ocean and its wonders while leaving a meaningful legacy of stewardship.
spread the word!
Follow us on Social Media and like, comment and share all things Ocean Institute!
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Clickeachitem,oremailorcall ustolearnmore! email: oi@ocean-institute.org phone: 949.496.2274 Click the SeaStar to see all of our recent media coverage!
Thank you!
In our 46 years of offering ocean education to Southern California and beyond, we are truly grateful for the steadfast support of our community. This support has been the cornerstone of our mission to raise awareness about the ocean's importance and ecological significance. It has allowed us to educate and inspire generations of individuals, fostering a deeper understanding of our marine ecosystems.
We cherish the partnerships and enthusiasm that have grown over the years, and we look forward to many more years of collaborative ocean education with our supportive community. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey towards a more oceanconscious future!
24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, California 92626
EIN: 33-0203488
