Philanthropy Highlights Fall 2025

Your Gift Matters

The Aquarium of the Pacific established the Nautilus Society to honor and recognize donors who have expressed their commitment to animal wellbeing, conservation, and education by including the Aquarium of the Pacific in their estate and financial plans. These gifts provide a lasting legacy for the Aquarium and the community. Nautilus Society members know that through their generosity the Aquarium’s conservation and education programs will touch the lives of generations to come.

In appreciation of their support, Nautilus Society members receive invitations to exclusive events throughout the year, recognition on our donor wall and annual impact report. This special group of donors will also receive insider information about the Aquarium’s exhibits and programs as well as direct access to personal service from Aquarium staff.

Thank you for your support of the Aquarium’s mission now and in the future. Your philanthropic legacy will long be remembered for generations to come.

The following are a few examples of ways in which you might support the Aquarium of the pacific with a planned gift.

• Include the Aquarium in your will or living trust
• Designate the Aquarium as a beneficiary of your retirement plan or life insurance policy
• Designate the Aquarium as a beneficiary of a charitable remainder trust
• Gifts of appreciated securities

Already included the Aquarium in your estate plan? To let us know or learn more, please contact Ryan Ashton, vice president of development, at rashton@lbaop.org.

The information provided is not intended as legal or financial advice. We encourage you to consult with your own attorney, financial advisor, and other qualified professionals when considering any planned giving options.

Aquarium Raises over $700,000 to Support its Mission

Community leaders and philanthropists attended the Blue Whale Gala and Whale’s Tail After Party, an event created to showcase and raise funds for the non-profit Aquarium’s education and conservation initiatives.

Approximately 629 community leaders and philanthropists gatheredat the non-profit Aquarium of the Pacific for its Blue Whale Gala and inaugural Whale’s Tail After Party in Long Beach, California on Saturday, June 28, 2025. The event raised over $700,000 to support the organization’s science-based educational programming and collaborative marine species conservation initiatives.

The double-header event began with a traditional gala with a seated dinner, and vibrant live auction. More than 200 individuals raised their paddle to bring in more than $200,000 for the Aquarium’s conservation work that gives endangered species a chance at recovery. The evening continued with the Whale’s Tail After Party, offering food sampling from local restaurants, complimentary drinks, live entertainment, and a silent auction. Guests also had the opportunity to explore the Aquarium and interact with Aquarium staff at one of fifteen stations, including feeding moon jellies and watching shark egg ultrasounds.

“It was a beautiful evening of hope, generosity, and shared passion for protecting our oceans,” said Ryan Ashton, the Aquarium of the Pacific’s vice president of development.

The Aquarium gives special thanks to the Blue Whale Gala presenting sponsor SAVOR Long Beach and Fin Whale Sponsors: Esther Chui Chao, Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg, Temple Family Charitable Foundation, and U.S. Bank. The Aquarium would also like to thank After Party presenting sponsor, Marathon Los Angeles Refinery and Premium VIP level After Party sponsors Bank of America and U.S. Bank.