The Living Coast Discovery Centerās largest annual fundraising event raised $84,000 in proceeds for the nonprofit zoo and aquarium.
The eighth annual Farm to Bay event held Aug. 5 raised $115,000 in gross revenue and $84,000 in net revenue.
The money will benefit coastal wildlife, education and sustainability programs at the Living Coast Discovery Center.
Jessica LaFave, development manager at the Living Coast Discovery Center, said the amount raised this year was not record breaking but it still is an achievement.
āThatās still really significant,ā LaFave said. āObviously itās good for our bottom line. We are pleased with it as it is significant for our operation.ā
The funds were generated through a combination of sponsorships, ticket sales, silent and live auctions and Raise the Paddle donations. Farm to Bay tickets cost $100 each and the event drew about 400 guests, LaFave said.
āWeāre really grateful that we have the support of the local community, our event sponsors and our volunteers,ā LaFave said. āOur community is really supportive and we love being a part of it. We love being a part of Chula Vista.ā
Throughout the year the Living Coast Discovery Center receives revenue from ticket sales, memberships, donations and grants. But Farm to Bay is where the centerās largest funding comes from, LaFave said.
This yearās Farm to Bay event featured Culinary Chef Chair Jeff Roberto from Sushi on a Roll. Roberto served various types of sushi to guests.
Attendees were able to closely view animal encounters, listened to live entertainment, ate different foods and drank beer, wine and spirits.
Aside from raising money, the Living Coast Discovery Center strives to make Farm to Bay aĀ zero-waste event.Ā This yea, the event committee reported that 88 percent or 385 pounds of the event waste was recycled or composted and diverted from landfills ā the highest totals ever for the event.
āThat 88 percent is actually the highest conversion rate that weāve ever achieved.ā LaFave said. āThat basically means 88 percent ofĀ the waste that was generated from the event was either recycled or composted.ā
āOur financial health is strong and weāre really looking forward to the future,ā she said.