Honorees are Documentary Filmmaker Jason Wise and LA County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl

Tickets On-Sale Now

Los Angeles CA— The Bay Foundation (TBF) is offering two special at-home evening opportunities to join its 6th Coastal Connections (CC6) fundraiser. The events on September 1st and October 1st will celebrate everyone’s connections with the coast, along with the foundation’s recent accomplishments and upcoming projects, and recognize individuals making a difference in Santa Monica Bay. “Coastal Connector” awardees—documentary filmmaker Jason Wise and LA County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl—have been selected based on their impressive and continued dedication to environmental conservation through the arts, research, legislation and policy. Both events will start at 7:00pm and be live streamed on SOMM TV.
The September 1st event will honor filmmaker Jason Wise, who loves the stories behind great foods, and who co-founded SOMM TV, the first full SVOD (subscription video on demand) streaming platform in the wine, food, and travel space. The evening will feature an exclusive Q&A between Wise and TBF Chief Executive Officer, Tom Ford. Wise’s recent film “The Delicacy”, shot entirely on Kodak film and which premiered on SOMM TV in May, is the story of a rare and exotic food, the sea urchin, and how it’s harvested, how it’s eaten, and the role it plays in nature and the lives of those who bring it to the table. The film features Ford, providing a science perspective on the history of urchins, kelp and abalone along the California coast.
In his support of the foundation, Wise is providing all CC6 attendees a complimentary SOMM TV subscription (upon purchase of the event ticket) for three (3) months. This offers the opportunity to stream programs such as “The Delicacy” (for pre- or post-Q&A), the SOMM Film Series, the series “Blind Tasting Sessions”, “Secret Meeting of Chefs” (new) with Chef David Chang, “Agave: The Spirit of a Nation”, and many more delectable shows. (Film trailer for “The Delicacy”.) Wise says, “It was such an honor to have Tom as part of ‘The Delicacy’ film to give his professional insight in a way that was so easily communicated to our viewer. He brings honest humor and educational observation to this film. I’m thrilled to be part of the foundation’s annual celebration, donate our platform, and have a one-on-one with Tom.”
The October 1st celebratory event will begin by honoring LA County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, a premier example of leaders who protect our beaches, fishing spots, kelp forests, and wetlands. The evening will include the award presentation, followed by a virtual tour of TBF’s latest projects and highlighting key project partners, including Sea Trees and Patagonia.
Supervisor Sheila Kuehl is a longtime supporter of TBF. While serving as a State Senator in 2002, she carried the legislation that created the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission. Supervisor Kuehl has worked for many years to improve the environment for the State of California, the Santa Monica Bay, and the Santa Monica Mountains. Water quality and conservation in the County are key issues she is working on in her current position as LA County Supervisor.
“I am extremely proud of the work we have done together on the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission in partnership with The Bay Foundation and am very honored to receive this award,” states Supervisor Kuehl. “COVID-19 has made it even more clear that our beaches and outdoor spaces help us deal with stress and take time for ourselves. To make sure this remains the case, I hope everyone is following public health admonitions. For my part, I will do all I can to protect Santa Monica Bay and all of our precious natural resources.”
Attendees are invited to align their dining experience with the events by placing a delivery order with The Cultured Abalone Farm, for live abalone and uni. Enter “TBF2020” in the notes at checkout; a percentage of all sales are being donated to TBF Through September 30th, 2020. Longtime participant in the Clean Bay Certification program, Bodega Wine Bar (Santa Monica) will be featured during the Oct. 1st event.
“At TBF, we are dedicated to the protection of Los Angeles County’s coastal habitats and species. We do not do this alone and creating partnerships that advance these projects and research are at the core of our efforts,” states TBF’s Ford. “I hope everyone joins us for our two live streamed events on SOMM TV where we will celebrate many of our partners and the projects that are advancing the restoration and enhancement of Santa Monica Bay for the benefit of the people and wildlife that call it home.”
Proceeds raised go directly to supporting The Bay Foundation’s mission to restore and enhance Santa Monica Bay and its watershed. For more information and to reserve tickets, please visit www.santamonicabay.org or go directly to the EVENT PAGE