Heal the Ocean's Annual Gala Fundraiser is a great opportunity to support ocean health!
Now in its 27th year of impact, Heal the Ocean invites the community, local businesses, and ocean advocates to become early sponsors of the 2025 campaign, culminating in a celebratory happy hour event this November. Respond with a sponsorship by August 22 or a donation by October 24 to receive a complimentary invitation for the in-person event!
This Year’s Sponsorships
All Sponsors will be listed in the happy hour invitation – look for yours in early September! Sponsors will be recognized on this webpage, and will also be recognized in the Santa Barbara Independent and the Montecito Journal as our way of sharing a public "Thank You!". Below are the sponsorship tiers for 2025.
Contributions can be made via mail or online at www.givebox.com/685
Checks may be sent to:
Heal the Ocean
P.O. Box 90106
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
We encourage making larger donations by check to avoid 3% credit card fees.
For sponsorship inquiries or more information, please contact Heal the Ocean at 805-965-7570 or info@healtheocean.org.
About the Imaginary Gala
The Imaginary Gala is Heal the Ocean’s largest annual fundraiser — a creative alternative to a traditional gala. Instead of a formal event, the campaign runs throughout the season, culminating in a casual happy hour celebration to thank supporters and sponsors.
This year marks a pivotal chapter in Heal the Ocean’s history as the organization welcomes its new Executive Director, Karina Johnston, a seasoned expert in coastal resilience and climate adaptation.
Karina joins Heal the Ocean following the leadership of co-founder and longtime Executive Director Hillary Hauser, whose decades of pioneering work in ocean pollution and water quality helped shape the organization into a powerful force for change. Hillary continues as Heal the Ocean’s Strategic Advisor and Board of Directors member.
The theme of this year’s Imaginary Gala, “Above and Below,” highlights the interconnected nature of ecosystems on land and in the sea — reflecting the combined expertise of both Johnston and Hauser and the organization’s expanding vision for holistic ocean protection.
Recent Program Highlights Include
Partnering with local agencies to cap leaking oil wells and update wastewater infrastructure along the coastline.
Supporting strategic coastal adaptation plans to address climate change impacts.
Advancing beach hazard and marine debris removal initiatives across Santa Barbara County.
Buying dog bags for cleaner parks and trails.
