Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Benefit Dinner

What better sendoff for "On the Road for Climate Action" then a benefit dinner in our honor. Held at Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach, this event was a fancy 3-course dinner that was hosted by a very generous and supportive Orange Country local named Mark Moehlman. Mark was our very first project donor. His support of this project gave Athina and I the much needed confidence and encouragement to make this vision a reality. In hosting this benefit dinner, Mark provided a means of fundraising, knowing that Athina and I are taking an unpaid leave from our careers in order to embark on this climate advocacy project. In attendance to the dinner were about 20 exclusive guests. Most were accepting of mainstream climate science. However, somewhat surprisingly there were also a couple of people at the dinner table who took issue with the notion of human-caused climate change. Interestingly, the proportion of "climate deniers" at the event reflected that of the nation as a whole, about 10%. And they were a vocal minority! Their perspectives made for some lively debate and conversation at the table. I'm not sure I got threw to them, but I'd say the experience was a good primer for what Athina and I will experience on the road! Thanks again to our host Mark. We truly cannot thank you enough for your support! 


Click here to learn more about "On the Road for Climate Action!"

                                                                              Dr. Shahir Masri
                                                                         


Thursday, July 12, 2018

I Surf, I Vote!

Today was a great day to be at Newport Beach, CA. A group that really cares about climate change and the health of our oceans organized an "I Surf, I Vote" advocacy event. The event brought together surfers (including myself!), environmental advocates, and even Harley Rouda, who is a local candidate for Congress here in southern California. Myself, Harley, and a few others had the pleasure of speaking at the event. It was great to see such a turnout. 



The group who organized the event, Blue Uprising, concerns itself with preventing offshore drilling, protecting marine habitats, ensuring sustainable fishing practices, addressing climate change, and mobilizing voters in support of such causes. Click here to see their write-up of the event. And notice the amazing aerial photograph below. This was captured by Charley Fitzwilliam, using his drone. 


After meeting him and hearing our story, he decided to generously donate a drone to our project! These are  not inexpensive items!! This is one of the most valuable donations we've received, and by far the most unique; showing that support can come in all shapes and sizes. Thank you Charley, you're donation will enable us to capture our voyage in ways we could never have dreamed of. We look forward to now documenting our national tour from the sky. You can follow Charley and his spectacular aerial imagery of southern California on Instagram at @TheDroneBooth


Click here to learn more about "On the Road for Climate Action!"

                                                                              Dr. Shahir Masri