Whale Tales Raises $30,000 to Support Whale Research on Maui

Whale Tales 2012 was another giant success – raising $30,000 in support of three non-profit organizations that specialize in humpback whale research off Maui: Whale Trust, Center for Whale Studies, and Hawaii Whale Research Foundation.

Whale Trust's annual event was sponsored by Makana Aloha Foundation and held at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. An estimated 1,500 people participated in the weeklong programs, which offered presentations by world-renowned whale researchers and photographers, children's educational programs, book signings, evening events, and benefit whale watches led by Whale Tales presenters. Whale Tales culminated on February 10th in an evening presentation by National Geographic photographer and Whale Trust co-founder, Flip Nicklin, at the Baldwin House in Lahaina.

"One of the highlights of this year's event was the overwhelming enthusiasm and support we received to continue the event in 2013", says Meagan Jones, Executive Director of Whale Trust. In addition to the $30,000 raised directly for the beneficiaries, a $10,000 challenge match by Darlene and Jeff Anderson ensured that Whale Tales will continue in 2013. Whale Trust has already received nearly half of the $10,000 challenge match and hopes to complete the challenge match by August.

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"While there are many whale events held on Maui each year, what makes Whale Tales special and unique is the sense of community surrounding the event", says Jones. "Whale Tales isn't about just one organization. At its heart, Whale Tales symbolizes the spirit of community and collaboration within Maui's whale research community. It's Maui's research community coming together to raise awareness about whales and the oceans, while raising money to support whale research that is happening right here in our own backyard."

Mahalo To The Following Individuals, Organizations, And Businesses For Sponsoring Whale Tales 2012:

Host Sponsor

Makana Aloha Foundation

Whale Tales Volunteers

Gwen Arkin
Caroline Armon
Sue Bayley
Gary and Gerry Brown
MaryCaye and Jeff Carlson
Karyn Cochran
Betsy Collins
Frannie Coppersmith
Cathy Daly
Dick Dunhaupt
Sue Dunswell
Mimi Fay
Doug and Kathy Gray
Sophie Greeno
Patti Hackney
Leslie Hiraga
Kecia Joy
Katie Kretzinger
Brenda Livingston
Irene and Barry McPhee
Jill Mickelson
Peggy Stap
Bob Sternthall
Connie Sutherland
Katie Grove-Velasquez
Gordon Vogt
Mary Whitney
Eden Zang

Event Sponsors

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
Jean-Michel Cousteau's
Ambassadors Of The Environment

Whale Watching Companies

Captain Steve's Rafting
Hawaii Ocean Rafting
Lahaina Cruise Company
Maui Adventure Cruises
Trilogy Excursions
Ultimate Whale Watch

Individuals

Jami Burks
Phylecia Platte
The Sturgis Family
Gunars And Jorene Valkirs

Presenters

Flip Nicklin
Mark Ferrari
Dr. Jim Darling
Ed Lyman
Craig Matkin*
Dr. Dan Salden
Dr. Bruce Mate*

* A very special MAHALO to Dr. Bruce Mate and Craig Matkin for donating the costs of their expenses related to the event back to Whale Tales.

Thank you to all the volunteers, donors and participants

Whale Tales Sponsored By:

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