Oceana’s SeaChange Summer Party honoree Valarie Van Cleave is changing the tides to help conserve our world’s oceans. Here, we check in for a deeper dive.
PHOTO BY REZA ALLAHBAKHSHI
On Saturday, Aug. 17, Oceana will host its 17th annual SeaChange Summer Party in Laguna Beach, a fete co-founded by chair emeritus and O.C. local Valarie Van Cleave. For over 17 years, Van Cleave has supported Oceana’s mission to conserve our oceans, creating a beautiful soiree that has raised more than $19 million. This year, Van Cleave will be recognized for her valiant efforts, joining many past honorees, including Morgan Freeman and Laura Dern. Here, Van Cleave shares a deep dive into her philanthropic ties and daily life. Listen in.
Why does Oceana’s mission resonate with you?
Years ago, during dive trips around the world, I saw underwater habitats being rapidly destroyed; it was alarming. With some good guidance and a nose for good organizations, a relatively new group dedicated entirely to international ocean conservation came on my radar. Of course, it was Oceana. I liked what I learned about the group’s powerful mission, and I wanted to help get the word out, hoping that others would want to know more and help. That was 18 years ago.
What excites you most about the upcoming SeaChange Summer Party?
I’m looking forward to celebrating our oceans alongside the incredible and generous community of ocean lovers in Orange County that I’ve seen grow year after year since our first SeaChange 17 years ago. Of course, it’s also a privilege and honor to be recognized.
WAKE-UP TIME: 6 a.m.
WORKOUT: I like to rotate between a hike in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, barre class and pilates work
CURRENTLY WATCHING: Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen
THEME SONG TO YOUR LIFE: “California Dreamin’” by The Mamas & The Papas
BIGGEST INSPIRATION: The remarkable 1990 NASA Voyager image of planet Earth at a distance of 3.7 billion miles from the sun, titled “Pale Blue Dot”
ZODIAC SIGN: Cancer
NEMESIS: Parochialism
WEAKNESS: Travel brochures
ESCAPE: Botswana
HOTEL: The stunning remote camps in the Okavango Delta
LOCAL HAUNT: Selanne Steak Tavern
LAST MEAL ON EARTH: S’mores on the beach at Crystal Cove with friends and family
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