Marine life fans showed up in schools in support of the Vancouver Aquarium late last week.
A record number of guests and money was raised at the aquatic conservation, education and research organization’s largest annual gala. About 550 guests attended the event, raising more than $350,000 for the non-profit organization.
Scott Elliott, the aquarium’s vice-president of external relations said in an interview Tuesday night: “The amount we raised was up 20% from 2009, so we’re very happy with the results.”
Elliott noted that the event has raised record amounts for the aquarium over the past few years despite the downturn, adding that higher-end fundraising events have tended to stay relatively strong.
“Quite often, people dig a little deeper because they know they’re helping out a cause. But it’s also a fun event. We tried to put on an elegant, but not too formal feel to the evening.”
Fourteen Vancouver restaurants sporting the Ocean Wise designation donated food and staff time in support of the event. This year’s gala also attracted Cafe Artigiano, who had asked to participate in the event. “I’m not sure why they came on board," said Elliott. "But it’s always good to get out in front of the right people.”
Change may be in the cards for the aquarium’s annual gala, but Elliott said it would be up to the organizing committee for next year’s event. It meets for the first time this Thursday.