We’ve noted both the number of people invited and attending to demonstrate visibility of partnership.

Elephant Seal Walk on January 27, 2026

Guests are invited to view elephant seals in their natural habitat accompanied by The Marine Mammal Center leadership and scientists.

• Invitations will go out to more than 800 donors who give at the $10,000+ levels.
• Attendance will be capped at 30 guests.

Steller Legacy Circle Luncheon on March 29, 2026

Members of our Steller Legacy Circle (SLC), individuals who have named The Marine Mammal Center in their estate plans, will join us on site to hear from our leadership and scientists to learn about the ways in which the Center is rising to meet growing needs in ocean conservation.

• Invitations will go to 700 members of SLC, legacy prospects and heirs.
• Attendance will be capped at 80 guests.

Seal Symphony on May 3, 2026

Beginning with a VIP hour, followed by a larger party, our donors are invited onsite to mingle with our experts and leadership, visit engagement tables, and enjoy food and drinks while being surrounded by the sounds of a busy marine mammal hospital at the height of pupping season.

• Approximately 2,000 guests will be invited.
• Attendance for this event will be capped at 320 guests.
• VIP hour is for donors who give at $5,000+ level.
• General admission is for donors who give at the $1,000+ level.

Whale Watching on September 26 & 27, 2026

Guests are invited to view whales, dolphins and porpoises in their natural habitat while accompanied by The Marine Mammal Center leadership and scientists.

• Invitations will go out to more than 800 donors who give at the $10,000+ levels.
• Attendance will be capped at 80 guests.

Virtual Events – dates TBD

Supporters will be invited to attend virtual programs and Q&As with our leadership and scientists in four virtual events throughout the year.

• In some cases, the guestlist will include all supporters who give at any level.
• Some VIP events, like our CEO conference call, will be available only to donors who give at the $250+ level.

Conservation Con on May 13, 2026

Our Ocean Ambassadors program for middle school students culminates with a Call to Conserve project, which they will present onsite at The Marine Mammal Center at a festive open house. Students create original projects addressing environmental issues in their own communities, which encourage creativity, critical thinking and collaboration to make positive changes for marine mammal, human and ocean health. Guests will have the opportunity to engage with these motivated, passionate youth and get a dose of optimism for the future of ocean health!

• We expect around 200 attendees consisting of students, school administrators, family of Ocean Ambassadors, Center staff and volunteers, and Youth Crew alumni.

Youth Crew Symposium on August 6, 2026

After eight months of working diligently to rehabilitate patients, attending workshops and events within the Center and with other youth conservation organizations, and educating visitors at the Center – our Youth Crew have seen, done and learned a lot! The Symposium event is a chance for youth to reflect and share highlights of their experience and model their own approach to creating engaging and inspiring materials for guests to interact with and learn more about important topics in conservation.

• Friends and family of Youth Crew 2025 Cohort, Youth Crew alumni, Center staff and volunteers, program partners, program donors and local youth organizations

Volunteer Appreciation Party on October 4, 2026

1,600+ volunteers are the heart and soul of The Marine Mammal Center. Many volunteers don’t just give their time – they are also donors. This eagerly anticipated annual event is to honor all the volunteers who make our vital work possible.

• 1,600 volunteers will be invited. We expect 400 guests to attend the event.

Release Celebrations

Attendees are invited to share in the uplifting and inspiring experience of watching rehabilitated marine mammals return to their ocean home. These events take place over the summer at California’s most beautiful beaches.

• Approximately 2,000 donors who give at the $1,000+ level will be invited to attend a release celebration. Each of the six releases can accommodate between 75-200 people depending on location.

For more information, or if you would like to sponsor the entire 2026 series, please contact us.

Local businesses that give a portion of proceeds, in-kind support or other donations with a goal of $500 or more annually will receive a special 50th Anniversary “Friend of The Marine Mammal Center” window decal. Decals are good for one year but can be extended with renewed support.

Your business will receive materials for sponsorship announcement on funder’s own channels provided by the Center upon request.

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For more information, please contact us.