About the Gala

Join the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation in celebrating the 2021 Ocean Awards Gala! This year, the Foundation will stream the gala into the comfort of your home. Join us as we honor the dedicated individuals who campaigned to protect the Northwest Hawaiian Islands and establish Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Attend, watch and engage with the gala this year through virtual tastings and online game shows or create your own watch party at home.

The night of the Gala, participate with other small socially distanced groups across the country by hosting your own celebration – cocktail party, seated dinner, or anything else! – and join us for the online program. To become a Watch Party Host, email Carol King at carol@marinesanctuary.org.

Online programming for the Ocean Awards Gala is free and open to the public, with registration. Donations to support Capitol Hill Ocean Week and the Ocean Awards Gala are encouraged.

ENTER THE VIRTUAL GALA

Support a Watch Party Host

Virtual After-Party Experiences

Sponsors and Partners

Capitol Hill Ocean Week 2021 sponsors and partners make this work possible.

The Ocean Awards Gala would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners. Proceeds from this event will help fund programs and projects that benefit our global community. Together, we will save more whales, restore more coral reefs, create more ocean and Great Lakes champions, and protect more of our most important resource.

For information on 2021 sponsorship and support levels, click below or contact carol@marinesanctuary.org.

Learn more!

Virtual Experiences

This year, stream the Ocean Awards Gala live while you experience unforgettable tastings and interactive fun with our generous sponsors.

Wine Tasting

Join the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation for a virtual tasting fundraiser in the comfort of your own home. This event will highlight the work of the Foundation and create an unforgettable tasting experience with a surprise wine host!

Your registration for this event includes a tasting kit which will be available for pick-up or mailing. DEADLINE: May 28

Virtual Game Show

Hollywood’s best game shows arrive directly to your living room- only this time, you become CONTESTANTS! Join us following the Ocean Awards Gala to play “Jeopardy,” “The Match Game,” and “Family Feud.” Play with new or old friends in team-based game shows for a thrilling competitive experience. This time, all games will have an Ocean & Great Lakes twist!

Register for a Gala Experience

Silent Auction

Announcing the 2021 CHOW Silent Auction! Proceeds help us keep this event free and open to our global audience and support public outreach and education programs, on-the-water conservation projects, and marine restoration. Bid on stunning photography incredible travel experiences, amazing signed books, and much more!

2 United Airlines Tickets Raffle

Drink Malbec with Francis Mallmann

Lindblad Expeditions: Galapagos

‘Alohilani Resort 2 Night Stay

Dr. Sylvia Earle – Meet & Greet

Yamaha Urban Rush E-bike

Text chow21 to 843-606-5995 or click the link below to start bidding! The virtual auction closes on June 10 at 8pm ET.

View All Auction Items

Our Honorees

The Ocean Awards Gala annually recognizes champions of marine and Great Lakes stewardship. Previous honorees include Presidents, Members of Congress, and world-renown scientists and conservationists.

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

The extensive coral reefs of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument are home to over 7,000 marine species, some found nowhere else in the world.

Learn more about Papahānaumokuākea.

Unique this year, our honorees will represent a community of stewards who had the vision to protect the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Learn more about the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands hui.

Host Committee

Lisa Henschel, Chair
Susanna Kondracki, Trustee Event Chair
Julian Myers-Benton, Foundation Vice-Chair
Dawn Rodney, Foundation Trustee
Barbara Birdsey, Foundation Trustee
Dane A. Nichols, Foundation Trustee
Andy Winer, Foundation Trustee
Martin Peters
Scott Richard Berg
Ximena Caminos
Catharine Cyr Ransom
Jennifer Currie
Christine Dziak
Patty Elkus
Jacquie Henry
Eva Manolis
Audra Parker
Margaret Peloso
Kolo Rathburn
Carey Tarbell

Potomac, MD
Great Falls, VA
McLean, VA
Ashburn, VA
Hobe Sound, FL
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Atlanta, GA
Green Cove Springs, FL
Miami Beach, FL
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Great Falls, VA
Sonoma, CA
Washington, DC
Kailua-Kona, HI
Hyannis, MA
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Washington, DC