Living Coast Discovery Center Receives $26,000 In-Kind Donation from Neighbor and Long-Time Support
CHULA VISTA, CALIF. – The Living Coast Discovery Center, a nonprofit zoo and aquarium located on San Diego Bay in Chula Vista, announced today that its long-time supporter and South Bay neighbor, Marine Group Boat Works, has pledged over $25,000 in in-kind donations to the center for 2015.
The donation marks the sixth consecutive year that the locally owned boat-building and repair facility has stepped forward to cover the Living Coast’s annual animal food budget, which represents one of the center’s largest annual expenses. Additional in-kind support from Marine Group comes in the form of ongoing facility maintenance assistance and equipment.
Additionally, Marine Group CEO Herb Engel will continue to serve as a member of the Living Coast’s board of directors. The company’s director of communications, Leah Yam, will also continue to lend pro bono support to the center’s development and marketing efforts.
“Marine Group is proud to support this community gem,” said Engel. “The Living Coast provides a unique opportunity for local students and families to connect with coastal wildlife and understand the importance of protecting marine habitats. We encourage other local organizations to join us in support of their mission.”
“Marine Group continues to be an invaluable community partner for us,” said Ben Vallejos, executive director of the Living Coast Discovery Center. “Their financial support goes a long way in allowing us to provide a high-level of ongoing care for our wildlife ambassadors, and in turn, a quality experience for our guests.We look forward to many more years of collaborating with these great friends of coastal conservation.”
The Living Coast Discovery Center has released an animal ambassador wish list so that members of the community can directly support the animals at the Living Coast. These tax-deductible donations will be used to help care for the center’s animals, including enrichment items, habitat enhancements, enclosure maintenance, and veterinary care. More information is available at http://www.thelivingcoast.org/about-us/get-involved/donate/animalwishlist/.
About the Living Coast Discovery Center
The Living Coast Discovery, a 501(c) 3 educational zoo and aquarium located within the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge on San Diego Bay, began operating as a non-profit in 2010 after assuming operations of the Chula Vista Nature Center. The Living Coast Discovery offers hands-on exhibits and up-close encounters with more than 350 plant and animal species native to Southern California coastal habitats, including endangered sea turtles, sting rays, leopard sharks, jellies, shorebirds, reptiles and a large collection of raptors such as hawks, falcons, owls, American bald eagle, golden eagle, and more. More information about the Living Coast Discovery Center is available at www.thelivingcoast.org or (619) 409-5900.
About Marine Group Boat Works
Marine Group Boat Works, LLC is a full-service, boat building and repair company with two facilities in San Diego and one in Los Cabos, Mexico. Its headquarters in Chula Vista consists of 15 acres of land and water; 2,100 feet of docks; a 665-ton travelift; fabrication and welding environments for both steel and aluminum and several mobile and production equipment to accommodate vessels up to 220 feet. Its sister yards in National City and San Jose del Cabo encompass over 300,000 square feet of land and water and feature 300- and 150-ton travelifts respectively. Between the three facilities, it employs over 185 certified welders, shipfitters, pipefitters, mechanics, painters and equipment operators. Customers include the U.S. Navy, Golden Gate Bridge & Transportation District, Port of San Diego, San Diego Harbor Police, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, San Diego Maritime Museum and more. Visit www.marinegroupbw.com for more information.
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