For the Ocean Gala

You are cordially invited to join us for a very special evening!

2nd Annual For the Ocean Gala
Saturday, March 25th, 2023
6:30 to 10:00 PM
Lumina Resort on Wrightsville Beach
1706 N Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Attire: Coastal Cocktail

Join us for this very special evening at the beautiful, new Lumina Resort at Wrightsville Beach to celebrate Plastic Ocean Project's global accomplishments.

You will be just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean as you enjoy our Silent Auction For the Ocean, live music from the Benny Hill Trio, cocktails, and delectable fare.

This ocean themed event will help support our new location at the UNCW CREST Research Park. An A-list research facility with some of the most contemporary instrumentation to help solve the plastic pollution puzzle. Highlights from our full-length documentary If the Ocean Could Talk: A Voice for the North Atlantic will also be shared along with stories from our researchers, educators, and artists. Like last year's, it promises to be an elegant event "for the ocean."

Get your tickets now (last year we sold out 6 weeks in advance)!

100% of proceeds from this event benefit the Plastic Ocean Project.

Buy tickets

sponsor this event

The 2023 For the Ocean Gala is sponsored by

become a sponsor

2023 silent auction donors include

Wrightsville Beach SUP
Wrightsville Beach Photography - Tom Hanna
Vann Fine Art
Two Wheeler Dealer
Sweetwater Surf Shop
Surf City Surf Shop
Stoneybrook Leather Works
Starfishy Designs
Southend Surf Shop
Bryand Gallery
Aussie Island Surf Shop
Abby Spangel Perry
Long Leaf Organics
Baker Angus
Cindy Haeck
Marion Kreh
Andy & Janet McGlinn
Kim Roach
Mike Penny
South End Surf Shop
Szechuan 132
Tide Clock Factory
Wilmington Plastic Surgery
Kat Loughlin
Angela Stilley
The Green House
Stemmerman's Inn

Redwing Jewelry
Mike Penny
LoPo Diveskins
Liz McGavaran
La Cruz Catamaran Cruises
Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures
Julia Jensen Glass
Hops Supply Co.
Hook Line & Paddle
Erin Whittle Photography
Dermatology Associates
Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery
Dockside Restaurant
Hieronymous Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Julia Jensen
Kipos (Mediterranean Restaurant)
Plaine Products
Salling & Tate Dentists
Sandcloud
Sea Tow
Trek bicycles
Whole Water Solutions
Wilmington Gastroenterology
Elizabeth Darrow Art
Johnnie Mercers Pier
Shepard Surfboard
Entropy Boat Rentals

donor inquiries

A look back at our 1st Annual For the Ocean Gala

The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher was the perfect setting for the Plastic Ocean Project's
first ever For the Ocean Gala fundraiser hosted on April 30th 2022.

Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour, sit down dinner, live music and a silent auction.

POP interns also hosted education stations, so the evening was informative as well as entertaining.

The highlight of the evening,
though, was the screening of the short film 356.

Thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers, this event was a huge success that
sold out ahead of time! We were overwhelmed by the generous support shown
by the attendees, sponsors, silent auction donors and volunteers.

"I have been to many fundraising gala‘s in Wilmington and this was the best!"
~ Top sponsor of the 2022 For the Ocean Gala

"Great venue, great food and drink. Love the art installations."
~ 2022 For the Ocean Gala attendee

"Beautiful venue, the staff we’re passionate and helpful"
~ 2022 For the Ocean Gala attendee