The day the ocean’s fragility became her reality“
There were lifeguards in their trucks and they were going up and down the beach telling swimmers and surfers to get out of the water,” she says of the day a toxic spill in the waters, just north of Manhattan Beach, had forced a beach closure. Her vision of the ocean – a place designed for swimming, relaxing and body surfing was altered. “I never thought this huge ocean could be polluted; it was so out of context.” But the ocean was polluted. And Manhattan Beach closed temporarily to wait for the vast ocean to cleanse itself of human recklessness. That episode changed Susan’s perspective permanently and, in many ways, helped shape the environmental marketing and creative business solutions firm, GCA, which she runs alongside her husband, Greg Goggin.
When GCA was recruited by the Ocean Institute of Dana Point to help raise money for the organization, they developed and launched the Laguna Beach Million Dollar Home Raffle where participants purchase a $150 ticket chance to win $1 million or a home by the sea. The fundraiser has awarded over $11 Million in prizes since 2005 and has raised millions for the Ocean Institute – money that has helped support the nonprofit’s 60 different ocean based educational programs and as well as programs for their non profit partners that include Irvine Public School Foundation, Wyland Foundation, Quiksilver Foundation, Susan G. Komen, Coast Keepers of Orange County, and Surfers Healing.
“It feels really good to know that what you’re doing can actually help future generations understand the importance of the ocean and what fun it can be,” says Susan.
There are two things about our raffles we take pride in,” stated Greg Goggin. “One is that our Laguna Beach raffle has awarded the Grand Prize each year as advertised along with bonus prizes totaling over $11 million. No other raffles in California have accomplished this. Secondly, through selling a dream, we provide a fair chance for our buyers to win big and for the organizations our raffles support, a chance to achieve their dreams too.”
Now celebrating its 10th year, the Laguna Beach Gold Coast Million Dollar Home Raffle
launched on July 7th, 2014 and is in full swing!
Purchase tickets now for the 10th annual Laguna Beach Gold Coast Million Dollar Home Raffle and beat the Thursday, August 21 Early Bird deadline. “The earlier you enter, the more chances you have to win. Lexus cars, dream vacations, South Coast Plaza shopping sprees and cash prizes are yours to win, in addition to an ocean view home in Laguna Beach or $1 Million dollars, winner’s choice. The Grand Prize drawing will be held November 8 at the Ocean Institute. Tickets are $150 and only 21,000 tickets will be sold. In addition to the Grand Prize, there will be over 500 prizes awarded.
For more information visit: www.ocean-institute.org
To purchase tickets, call (949) 542-3600
