On Friday, October 12, over 500 passionate individuals raised a glass to aquatic conservation against the magical backdrop of the Vancouver Aquarium at the seventh annual Toast to the Coast. One of the Aquarium’s signature fundraising events, Toast to the Coast raised over $100,000 for conservation, research and education as guests celebrated in style.
“Once again, Toast to the Coast was a sold out event, which demonstrates how deeply committed our community is to conservation, and how much they enjoy a great party,” says Dr. John Nightingale, president and CEO, Vancouver Aquarium. “Toast to the Coast is one of our most successful fundraising events because it gives people the opportunity to celebrate conservation in a fun and electric atmosphere with some of B.C.’s best wines and 14 of B.C.’s best Ocean Wise restaurants. We would like to thank our presenting sponsor CIBC, our Ocean Wise restaurants, the B.C. wine industry, the Vancouver business community and all of our inspired individuals who made Toast to the Coast another great success.”
Guests indulged their passion for sustainable seafood with dishes from 16 of Vancouver’s favorite restaurants, including Ocean Wise founding partner C Restaurant, YEW Restaurant + Bar, Provence restaurants and the Donnelly Group. Ocean Wise dishes were paired with wine from 15 of B.C.’s very best vineyards, including 8th Generation, Blasted Church, Fort Berens Estate Winery, Quail’s Gate Estate Winery, and craft beer from Granville Island Brewery.
DJ Leanne energized the crowd with funky tunes while guests bid on over 70 highly-prized auction and raffle items, which included:
• A Swarovski Crystal bracelet and earrings donated by Jeweliette Jewellery
• Two-night accommodation and dinner at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Guest House
• Two-night accommodation at Glacier Mountaineer Lodge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
• Samsung Galaxy S3, 16GB phone donated by Rogers
• A Beauty Mark beauty package, for luxury pampering
“Not only is Toast to the Coast one of Vancouver’s most engaging events, it also helps us raise awareness of Ocean Wise, the Aquarium’s national sustainable seafood program,” adds Dr. Nightingale. “With Ocean Wise month just around the corner, we encourage people to join the fight for sustainable seafood and join us at the delicious Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown on November 21 in Vancouver and Toronto.”
Photo Credit to the Vancouver Aquarium, all photos posted with their permission.
About Ocean Wise™
The Ocean Wise symbol next to a menu or seafood item is the Vancouver Aquarium’s assurance of an ocean-friendly seafood choice. With over 3,100 Ocean Wise partner locations across Canada, Ocean Wise makes it easy for consumers to make sustainable seafood choices that ensure the health of our oceans for generations to come. Learn more at www.oceanwise.ca.
About Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium is a non-profit society dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life. www.vanaqua.org
