2021 Holiday Reception

On December 16th, 2021, Fred and Barbara Keeley hosted a holiday reception at their beautiful Santa Cruz home to thank supporters and partners of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. The event was co-hosted by fellow Foundation board members Hilary Bryant, Dan Haifley, Yvette Lopez-Brooks and Martine Watkins.  Special guest speaker, Foundation co-chairperson, Leon Panetta attended, joined by his long-time friend and fellow board member, Ted Balestreri.  Ted, the CEO/President of the Cannery Row Company, left the comfort of Cannery Row to venture all the way to Santa Cruz County, punctuating the good-natured rivalry between the counties.   

The evening featured delicious food and drink, festive ambiance, and a room full of fascinating, accomplished guests.  Attending were more than a dozen elected officials, a former US Secretary of Defense and Head of the CIA, two judges, three world-renowned wildlife photographers, two NOAA Superintendents, and 2021 Foundation partners: Bay Federal Credit Union, Santa Cruz Warriors, Whale Bay Coffee, Bailey Properties, PG&E, and Cannery Row Company.  Highlighting the evening was a check presentation from new partner, California Water Service, in the amount of $200,000 to support the Foundation’s overall mission, including opportunities for youth education outreach programs across the region. 

The event was lively, well-attended and a wonderful opportunity to gather the Foundation family in gratitude.  Happy Holidays!