Thank you to this year's Attendees!
Thursday, September 11, 2025
6pm – 9pm
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
The Seaside Soirée
Presented By the Stiefel Behner Charitable Fund
Exclusive Exhibit Access – Live Entertainment – Gourmet Dinner – Hosted Bar – Special Guest Speakers – Community Building- Silent Auction – Supporting Clean Water
Ticket sales end September 9th
See Highlights from Last Year’s Event HERE
Evening Schedule
5:30 pm – VIP Entry begins for Champagne Welcome with Live Entertainment & Private Exhibit Access to Birch Aquarium; Silent Auction opens
6:00 pm – General Entry begins for Live Entertainment & Private Exhibit Access
7:00 pm – Seating for Dinner & Program Begins
8:00 pm – Guest Speakers, Closing Remarks
8:30 pm – Enjoy Coffee, Dessert, Conversation and Explore Birch Aquarium
9:00 pm – Evening Ends
*Vegan meal and non-alcoholic beverage options available
2025 Guest Speakers
Mario Ordoñez-Calderon
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Mario is the Executive Director of Un Mar de Colores, a San Diego-based non-profit committed to nurturing the next generation of ocean stewards by providing free surf therapy, environmental education, and long-term mentorship for underserved youth. Coastkeeper and Un Mar partner on advocacy and outreach initiatives related to resolving the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis and advancing equitable coastal access.
Mario is a Navy Veteran, Indigenous Mayan and Surfer dedicated to creating opportunities for underserved communities to experience the ocean’s transformative power. He believes the ocean is both a classroom and a teacher, inspiring youth to build a deeper connection with nature and themselves.
Mario serves on the inaugural Environmental Justice Advisory Board (EJ Advisory Board) for the Ocean Protection Council, providing equity-focused insights to address the unique needs of coastal communities. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences from San Diego State University.
Joe LaCava
City Council President (District 1)
Councilmember LaCava represents San Diego City Council District 1, where he is currently serving his second term. He was unanimously elected by his colleagues as the President of the City Council, and chairs the Council’s Rules Committee, serves on the Environment Committee and is First Vice Chair on the SANDAG Board of Directors.
In 2024, he served as chair of the Board of Directors for San Diego Community Power and the San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority, and chaired SANDAG’s Regional Planning Committee. President LaCava is a licensed civil engineer bringing extensive experience on land use, housing, infrastructure, climate change, and the environment.
He is a San Diego native and San Diego State University graduate. He has lived in District 1 since 1983 with his wife Lorene, a retired kindergarten teacher, where they raised two daughters.
Thank you to our 2025 Seaside Soirée Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
For sponsorship opportunities contact [email protected]