CEO Note: Oceana Honors former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, HBO CEO Richard Plepler - Oceana USA
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November 7, 2013

CEO Note: Oceana Honors former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, HBO CEO Richard Plepler

Wednesday night I had the honor of being on stage with former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and HBO CEO Richard Plepler at Oceana’s Partners Award Gala in Los Angeles. The gala honors individuals who make outstanding contributions to the cause of protecting our oceans.

On stage, Clinton spoke about the international importance of ocean conservation in the face of climate change and world hunger, which already affect millions of people across the world. But Clinton also noted that when we look at all of the problems facing our oceans, we shouldn’t fail to recognize our victories. “There has been progress,” she said. “More and more people appreciate what oceans mean to them and to humanity, as places where billions make livelihoods, find their food, home to countless other species, as well as the front lines in the ongoing fight against climate change and environmental degradation.”

Clinton noted that Oceana’s strength lies in asking the right questions, and then helping policy-makers find answers that will actually make a difference. “Oceana helps to focus the mind on what needs to be done,” she said. Plepler detailed HBO’s remarkable and deep commitment to causes that better our world and our environment through its documentaries and programs.

Clinton isn’t the only politician to take a stand with Oceana. James Connaughton, environmental adviser to former president George W. Bush, was a special guest at Oceana’s SeaChange Summer Party this August. Connaughton helped establish four new Marine National Monuments in the Pacific, which now make up the largest national marine sanctuary in the world.

Oceana generates bipartisan support from influential leaders like Clinton and Connaughton because we advocate science-based solutions that will restore and protect our oceans. We’re proud to have their help, and the support of the hundreds of other guests that attended the Partners Award Gala.

Online charity auction site CharityBuzz is hosted a digital companion auction for the event. Highlights included a seven-day yacht charter to the Pacific, a visit to the set of CSI, and Corum timepieces. Although the auction is over, you can still contribute to ocean conservation with a small donation to Oceana.

Thank you for your continued support as we use science-backed policy to restore our oceans. With your help, we can return oceans to their former abundance and provide healthy meals for millions of people.  

 

or the oceans,
Andrew Sharpless
Chief Executive Office

For the oceans,
Andrew Sharpless
Chief Executive Officer