Clockwise from top left : Laguna Bluebelt Coalition teaching about ocean protection at Laguna Art Museum ’ s Art & Nature event ; a fundraiser for The Drake Gives , which helps provide music education for kids ; Darcy , a special needs dog adopted out by Unconditional ; a Laguna Ocean Foundation staff member in the field
docents were placed at local tide pools to educate guests on the wildlife within the water . “ Our staff and volunteers are very grateful to have the honor of preserving the beauty and spirit of the Laguna coast ,” says Rob Lee , the foundation ’ s managing director . “ We are focusing on passing down the knowledge and love of our wildlife and ecosystems to younger generations , particularly to underrepresented communities through our new Emerging Leaders Program . Donations go to identifying , guiding , mentoring and providing funding to aspiring marine biologists , oceanographers , science journalists and community leaders .” Laguna Bluebelt Coalition , too , is dedicated to protecting local waters . With an emphasis on preserving biological diversity and healthy habitats , this group has already worked to secure citywide protection for the local ocean and the creatures living within it , and participates in outreach programs to inspire others to keep the coastal waters safe and marine life thriving . Donations go toward the nonprofit ’ s efforts and come with a Laguna Bluebelt keychain . ( Laguna Ocean Foundation : lagunaoceanfoundation . org ) ( Laguna Bluebelt Coalition : lagunabluebelt . org )
THE DRAKE GIVES When The Drake restaurant opened its doors in town , it was clear that the focus was on the live entertainment just as much as the luxurious cuisine — founder Alec Glasser , ever passionate about music , made sure of that . Glasser also launched The Drake Gives , a nonprofit that aims to provide youth with music education given the budget cuts that have affected school curricula across the country . Music is said to have positive emotional , academic and behavioral effects on children , with well over half of teachers reporting improved performance in school when enrolled in similar programs . On Dec . 1 , the fundraising organization held a speakeasy-themed event called The Drake After Dark , complete
with a live and silent auction that will provide funds for the group . “ Proceeds from The Drake After Dark … will directly support the Anaheim Elementary School District and its music programs ,” says Wendy Misner , program director for The Drake Gives . “ Together with Save the Music Foundation , The Drake Gives is focused on keeping music programs thriving in underserved communities within the Orange County public school system .” Although the event has passed , philanthropists can still make donations at drakeafterdark . givesmart . com to benefit music education this winter . ( thedrakelaguna . com / the-drake-gives )
UNCONDITIONAL Senior and special needs dogs are often the hardest to adopt out , but Unconditional is working to change that by promoting the value that these pets bring to the table . The group rescues these animals from shelters and is currently preparing to break ground on a new center to house them in Laguna Canyon . More like a home than a boarding facility , the two-story structure will be able to accommodate up to 40 dogs at once while working to find permanent homes for them . While waiting for the center to be built , Unconditional is accomplishing its mission through other means . “ While our physical rescue is being constructed , we are partnering with local rescues through our Pawtners Program to assist these groups in finding homes for their senior and special dogs ,” says Amy Mack , co-founder of Unconditional and president of the organization ’ s board . “ We are creating video and print content and developing a marketing strategy unique to each dog , all at no charge to our partner rescues . And the cool thing is that it works . Shortly after launching Pawtners , we made our first match — Darcy , a long-haired dachshund on wheels . We are thrilled to be providing this valuable service to the rescue ecosystem , and proving the value of being seen .” ( unconditionalrescue . org )
TOP LEFT : COURTESY OF LAGUNA ART MUSEUM ; TOP RIGHT : PAUL BIVENS
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