Hosted by the Orange County Community Foundation, virtual fundraiser seeks to raise $100K in 24 hours to support and sustain Orange County’s natural ecosystems
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (Aug. 30, 2022) — On September 7, 2022, the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) will bring together 10 local nonprofits to raise $100,000 during Protect & Preserve – a 24-hour collaborative online Giving Day to support Orange County’s open spaces and marine protected areas that enrich 52 miles of California’s coastline.
The Orange County community is invited to help protect the county’s natural habitats including its Marine protected areas (MPAs). MPAs are discrete geographic marine or estuarine areas designed to protect or conserve marine life and habitat which cover 26% of U.S. waters. The National Marine Protected Areas Center has a goal to conserve 30% of the nation’s land and waters by 2030. In Orange County, approximately 12 of Orange County’s stunning 44-mile coastline are designated as a MPA – including Bolsa Bay and Laguna Beach.
Participating organizations in Protect & Preserve include Bolsa Chica Conservancy, Bolsa Chica Land Trust, Crystal Cove Conservancy, Environmental Nature Center, Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks, Laguna Canyon Foundation, Laguna Ocean Foundation, OC Habitats, Pacific Marine Mammal Center, and The Ecology Center.
“We are proud to support this collaborative fundraising effort for local nonprofits that help protect and conserve our Orange County coastline and unique ecosystems,” said Shelley Hoss, president and CEO of the Orange County Community Foundation. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that Orange County’s natural resources flourish and can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Protect & Preserve is part of OCCF’s iheartOC Collaborative Giving Days, an annual initiative that designates cause-specific giving days focused on critical community issues. The online giving model matches OC nonprofits with shared missions – from homelessness and workforce development to preserving ecosystems and supporting local veterans – to create momentum on one shared day and leverage a combined outreach effort for collective success. In 2021, the 10 days secured support from 8,485 donors and raised a record $4.5 million for 112 local nonprofits. Since its start in 2015, OCCF’s Collaborative Giving Days have raised nearly $18 million for Orange County nonprofits.
To donate during the Protect & Preserve Giving Day and give back to the environment, visit: https://protect-and-preserve-giving-day.ocnonprofitcentral.org/.
About Orange County Community Foundation
Founded in 1989, the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) works with donors, strengthens the local nonprofit sector and works to find solutions to community needs. Since its inception, OCCF has awarded $900 million in grants and scholarships, ranking the organization as the 3rd most active grantmaker among all U.S. community foundations. For more information, visit oc-cf.org or call 949-553-4202. Be a part of our conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. View OCCF’s 2021 annual report here.
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