Nearly 400 guests joined the nonprofit Catalina Island Conservancy to celebrate the Enchanting Island at the Annual Conservancy Ball on Saturday, April 22 in the Avalon Casino Ballroom. The 2023 Catalina Island Conservancy Ball exalted the unique biodiversity of Catalina. The event is the organization’s largest fundraising event of the year, raising crucial support for the organization’s mission to be an exemplary steward of the Island’s natural resources through a balance of conservation, education, and recreation.

The evening was filled with enchantment as guests were transported to a magical world filled with music, delicious food, and stunning décor. Guests connected with Conservancy team members dedicated to the revitalization of Catalina while enjoying the invigorating sounds of Society Beat.

Throughout the event, supporters had the opportunity to learn about the unique species found on Catalina Island and the important role that the Conservancy plays in preserving and protecting these habitats. The event also featured both a silent and live auction with an array of items, including one-of-a-kind Island experiences, with all proceeds going towards the organization’s mission.

“We are thrilled with the opportunity to connect with those who appreciate the unique natural wonder that is Catalina Island,” said Conservancy Acting President & CEO Will Hagenah. “This event not only helped us raise vital funds to support our conservation, education, and recreation efforts but also raised awareness about the unique species and ecosystems found on this Enchanting Island and the importance of protecting this biodiversity for generations to come.”

The Catalina Island Conservancy Ball was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors and donors, as well as the hard work of Conservancy staff and volunteers. The organization would like to extend its deepest gratitude to everyone who attended the event and contributed to its success. Over the past 27 years, the Conservancy Ball has helped to raise a net of more than $8.5 million dollars which all directly supports conservation, education, and recreation programs essential to the responsible stewardship of this singular Island.

We hope to see you at the next Catalina Island Conservancy Ball on April 20, 2024.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to our individual sponsors and corporate partners including Hospitality Partner: Catalina Island Company; Sponsor Reception Partner: U.S. Bank; Charging Station Partner: Edison International; Food and Wine Partner: Capital Group Private Client Services & J and Sarah Barnes; Entertainment Partner: CR&R/Avalon Environmental Services; Cocktail Hour Partner: MDU Resources/Connolly-Pacific Co.; Community Partners: Mountain & Sea Adventures; Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp LLP; Mutual of America; and Rodriguez, Horii, Choi & Caferatta LLP; and Business Partners: Avalon Freight Services and Catalina Express.

For more information about Catalina Island Conservancy or to learn about ways to get involved, please visit, catalinaconservancy.org.

Learn about why conservation is so important on Catalina Island by viewing this video that debuted at 2023 Conservancy Ball.

We believe that exemplary stewardship of Catalina Island should be a successful balance of conservation, environmental education, and recreation, where each is pursued in ways that enhance the other. We are committed to make Catalina a model to address solutions to environmental challenges and shape a sustainable future.

Support our Enchanting Island and donate to our Fund-a-Need through May 7.