Living Coast Discovery Center Raises $128,000at 15th Annual Farm to Bay
Zero-waste tasting event supports coastal wildlife, education and sustainability programs at nonprofit zoo/aquarium on San Diego Bay
CHULA VISTA, CALIF. – The Living Coast Discovery Center, a nonprofit zoo/aquarium located on San Diego Bay in Chula Vista, raised $128,000 in net proceeds at its 15th annual Farm to Bay tasting event on Saturday, August 3.
The funds, raised through a combination of sponsorships, ticket sales, auction proceeds, and Raise the Paddle donations, will be used to support coastal wildlife conservation, education and sustainability programs throughout the year.
In keeping with the organization’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Living Coast takes steps each year towards producing a Zero-Waste event by working closely with its partners to reduce overall waste and offer earth-friendly materials. Event waste is hand-sorted and composted on-site by volunteer master composters.
This year, the Living Coast Sustainability Team reported that 95 percent of total event waste was diverted from the landfill, exceeding the 90 percent threshold for the event to be considered Zero-Waste. The City of Chula Vista’s commercial composting facility and the use of many reusable and compostable items during the event contributed to this success.
“For 15 years, we have been hosting this unique celebration of local wildlife, bringing the community together to enjoy our favorite restaurants and drinks against the beautiful backdrop of the San Diego Bay Wildlife Refuge,” said Executive Director Ben Vallejos. “We are thankful for everyone who continues to support us and to make this critical fundraiser a success every year, including our generous sponsors and donors, food and beverage partners, and dedicated volunteers and staff. Every contribution greatly impacts our mission – to inspire the community to connect with and care for our coastal environment.”
Farm to Bay 2024 is made possible by Presenting Sponsors Collins Aerospace and Seven Mile Casino. Additional sponsors include Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay, City of Chula Vista Office of Sustainability, MissionFed Credit Union, Channelside Water Resources, Cota Vera, Marine Group Boat Works, Port of San Diego, Republic Services, RIDA/ Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, SDG&E, BAE Systems, Baldwin & Sons, Jim Biddle, Cox, Hoffman Hanono Insurance Services, General Dynamics/NASSCO, San Diego Foundation, Verizon and Wheelhouse Credit Union.
About Living Coast Discovery Center
The Living Coast Discovery Center, a 501(c)3 educational zoo and aquarium located within the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge on Sweetwater Marsh, began operating as a non-profit in 2010 after assuming operations of the Chula Vista Nature Center. The Living Coast Discovery Center offers hands-on exhibits and up-close encounters with plant and animal species native to Southern California, including sea turtles, leopard sharks, reptiles and a large collection of raptors such as hawks, falcons, owls, eagles, and more. More information about the Living Coast Discovery Center is available at www.thelivingcoast.org or (619) 409-5900. For the latest updates, follow the Living Coast on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
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