Posted by Chamber Day on March 03, 2002 at 18:32:18:
CHAMBER EVENING
We realize that not everyone can take a Wednesday off, so that’s why we have Chamber
Evening. What makes this event unique is that we secure the ENTIRE Aquarium of the
Pacific in Long Beach . . . just for us.
The Aquarium, along with the Chamber Day Committee, invites you for an evening of
food, fish, and fun, also on Wednesday, May 1, from 7:15-11:00PM. The Aquarium
realizes what a vital role our Chamber plays in the overall safety of the SoCal dive
community. They also realize what a valuable contribution the over 130 volunteer divers
make to the smooth running of the Aquarium. In recognition of the Chamber’s value, and
the support they receive from the diving community, the Aquarium waives their normal
facility fee and hosts this event for us at no charge.
And we have a fabulous feast planned. We’ll have four cash bars going and free munchies
from when the doors open until the serving of dinner around 8:15PM. Dinner is a sit-down
affair (dress is casual - group tables are assigned, non-group is open seating). You start
you off with a lovely bed of fresh garden greens served with a light vinaigrette dressing.
This is followed by a sumptuous chicken Marsala served over a bed of rice and
accompanied by a vegetable medley of sliced carrots and string beans. All of this will be
topped off by a terrific dessert.
You’ll receive tickets good for two non-alcoholic drinks (coffee, tea, and water available
at no charge with your meal as well). You’ll also receive 5 raffle tickets, good for some
special prizes we’ll have on hand for the evening. Plus, there will be opportunity (and
encouragement) to buy more raffle tickets while you’re there. Total value of the evening
raffle prizes will approach $10,000 and includes regulators, BCs, computers, and even a
complete reg/octo/computer/BC set from Mares.
During the entire evening, we’ll have access to the full Aquarium and it’s 12,000+ critters
consisting of over 550 species, representing three major regions of the Pacific. In case you
didn’t know, the Aquarium of the Pacific is the only Aquarium to focus solely on the
Pacific Ocean. It’s also the only Aquarium in the United States to have, all under one roof
. . . a Napoleon Wrasse (in the 350,000 gallon Tropical Reef exhibit), Black-tip sharks, a
pelagic ray (in Blue Cavern), breeding sea dragons, sea lions, sea otters, and lots of SoCal
dive volunteers (who will be on hand to answer any questions you might have). Also take
time to explore the special exhibit “Jellies - Phantoms of the Deep” which showcases
different species of sea jellies from all over the world.
Doors will open no later than 7:15. Dinner will be at 8:15. We have some remarks to
make and raffle prizes to be award, not to mention announcing our grand total for the
event, and should wrap all that up around 10PM. Then you’ll have until about 11PM to
wander around and take in all the sights (but don’t take home any fish). It’s going to be a
very special evening, and one that’s appropriate for divers and non-divers alike (so you
can bring along your non-diving Significant Other and he/she can share the excitement of
our sport).
Cost of the evening is $75 per person. (Those who do both the daytime and evening
events will receive an extra $20 in raffle tickets as a bonus for doing both events.)
Although seating is open, if you’ve got a group we’ll be happy to reserve a table for you.
And because we’re limited in the number of people we can have attend, the earlier you
sign up, the better.
As with Chamber Day, Chamber Evening tickets can be purchased through Reef Seekers
by calling (310)652-4990. Just let them know how many tickets you want and how you
want to pay. It’s as simple as that.
Mark the date -Wednesday, May 1. This is one dive event you don’t want to miss.