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PMMC of JSerra Club Raises Over $ 2000 For Pacific Marine Mammal Center
lagunabeachindy . com JUNE 2 , 2023 3

PMMC of JSerra Club Raises Over $ 2000 For Pacific Marine Mammal Center

El Morro Student Makes Waves for Ocean Conservation

By LB Indy Staff
The PMMC of JSerra , a newly founded student club at JSerra Catholic High School committed to coastal conservation , has completed its first fundraiser supporting the Pacific Marine Mammal Center ( PMMC ). Through their dedicated efforts , the club has managed to raise an impressive sum of over $ 2,000 to aid the PMMC in their mission to inspire ocean stewardship through animal rescue and rehabilitation .
The fundraiser , which spanned several weeks , showcased the collective dedication and determination of the JSerra club members to make a positive impact on the environment . Recognizing the vital work carried out by the PMMC , the JSerra club organized a series of events to sell reusable stainless steel water bottles . Their goal was to reduce the amount of micro-plastics in our oceans , help raise awareness and share the PMMC ’ s mission throughout the community .
The members took careful consideration in selecting a water bottle from a like-minded supplier , BamBaw , who offered them a wholesale discount after learning about their plan to raise money for the Pacific Marine Mammal Center and bring awareness to the issue of single-use plastics . Molly Britton , the club ’ s creative director developed a logo
and worked with a local supplier on a custom sticker , to help brand the water bottles .
In addition to the water bottle fundraiser , the JSerra club members participated in a beach clean up event . On their first day of spring break , club members armed with gloves and bags , scoured Aliso Creek beach to remove trash and debris that could potentially harm marine life . The cleanup contributed to the preservation of the coastal ecosystems , as they collected 308 pounds of trash in support of the PMMC ’ s vision to “ Build a Better Ocean ”.
PMMC of JSerra club President , Hudson Haggard expressed gratitude to all the club members for their hard work and commitment .
“ Our club is grateful for the generosity and support shown by our community ,” Haggard said . “ We are thrilled to have exceeded our fundraising goal , and we are confident that these funds will aid the PMMC in their tireless efforts to rescue and rehabilitate our local marine mammals .”
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center has been a leading force in marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation for decades . With a dedicated
PMMC , PAGE 22
By Clara Beard | LB Indy
El Morro Elementary student Alia Marriner spends a lot of time in the water . The fifth grader is part of her school ’ s water polo team , taken part in two Aquathons and grew up snorkeling , paddleboarding and playing around Laguna ’ s coves and beaches . So it makes sense that Marriner was inspired to protect the ocean the best way she knows how - swimming .
“ I feel a connection and a strong desire to protect our oceans ,” Marriner said . “ Hearing about all the terrible things that humans have done to disrupt ocean life makes my desire to help even more powerful .”
On June 10 , Marriner is swimming from Cresent Bay to Victoria Beach to raise money for ocean conservation . Calling the event , “ Aquagrom ,” Marriner has invited friends and other kids her age to join her on the ocean swim . So far , she has about 13 participants committed and hopes more will take on the challenge .
“ This name was chosen because it will be kids doing an Aquathon ,” she said . “ Kids who spend a lot of time in the ocean are called groms . We will be raising money for an organization called Get Inspired . Nancy Caruso started Get Inspired , and she was the lady that brought back the kelp forests .”
When Marriner came across
El Morro Elementary fifth grader Alia Marriner ( right ) and friend Cedar Reckas prepare to participate in last year ’ s Aquathon . Photo / Katy Marriner
Caruso ’ s website , she said she knew the famous ocean activist was doing the most for Orange County ’ s oceans and wanted to contribute .
“ Kids don ’ t have a lot of say in how our community is run ,” Marriner said . “ This is a way for us to have our voices heard about how deeply we care for our local oceans .”
This isn ’ t the first time Marriner has completed a swim like this . Two
EL MORRO , PAGE 22
Celebrate Father ’ s Day on the Coast
Bring Dad to The Ritz-Carlton , Laguna Niguel on June 17 for a beachside BBQ presented by the resort ’ s culinary team , complete with an exclusive whiskey tasting in partnership with Woodford Reserve .
Reserve today at ritzcarlton . com / lagunaniguel .