Each year, FRIENDS of the Cabrillo Marina Aquarium hosts the Grand Grunion Gala and approximately 500 guests gather to attend this black-tie fundraising affair – the largest in the community. At the Gala, guests 
enjoy a beautiful ocean view, a live and silent auction, honoree presentations and an elegant sit-down dinner. Guests also experience a live grunion hatching. These are just some of the elements that make the Grand Grunion Gala a unique and fun event while giving guests the opportunity to support the Aquarium.
This year, the Grand Grunion Gala will honor the following:
Dr. Donald J. Reish – John M. Olguin Marine Environment Award
Dr. Reish is Emeritus Professor, Department of Biological Sciences at California State University Long Beach. Jim and Nancy Welsh – Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Leadership Award
For more than 15 years, avid ocean lovers Jim and Nancy Welsh have been deeply committed to supporting the Aquarium in its education, conservation and research mission. COSEE-West – Dr. Susanne Lawrenz-Miller Education Award
COSEE-West is a west coast hub for the National Science Foundation-supported Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE) effort.
If you would like to experience the Grand Grunion Gala, please make your reservations early. Last year, the event sold out! Individual tickets are $175 and reservations can be made by contacting FRIENDS or online.