Ocean Inspiration Event Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau

NEW YORK, NY (May 2, 2011) -- On Wednesday evening, May 18, explorers, filmmakers, scientists, dancers, artists, musicians, family and friends will come together in this once in a lifetime event – Ocean Inspiration. This event will be held at the Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center, 19 West 49th St., New York.

When asked why event organizer, Céline Cousteau created this event, she said, “The best tribute that I can give my grandfather is to unite the people who have drawn inspiration from him, those who have an abiding respect for our oceans and are exemplary ocean advocates.”

The Ocean Inspiration reception, which begins at 6:30 p.m., will be emceed by MSNBC’s Contessa Brewer. Included in the evening, the World Resources Institute presents the Reefs at Risk Initiative. Also, four deserving individuals or projects will be the recipients of the Ocean Advocacy Awards and winners of the Captain Cousteau 100 second tribute video shorts will be recognized. Following this, there will be a tribute film excerpt by Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of Captain Cousteau.

Rounding out the evening will be silent and live auctions and closing original dance piece performed and choreographed by Derek Stratton of Pilobolus fame, music composed by Henri ‘Scars’ Struck.

MORE: Ocean Inspiration is open to the public. For more information and tickets for Ocean Inspiration, please visit http://www.oceaninspiration.net/. A portion of the proceeds benefit Reefs at Risk of World Resources Institute. Sponsors for this event are La Prairie, Contiki, Code Blue Foundation and NOAA-NMSF.

May 20 Washington, DC (media opportunities available) - Panel – “The Future of our Oceans- Where are we Headed?” with Dr. Sylvia Earle, Dr. Carl Safina, & David Guggenheim - http://www.oceaninspiration.net/panel.html Evening program at Blue Vision Summit, including dance, live music, and art exhibit. http://www.oceaninspiration.net/program.html

Ocean Inspiration is an occasion to celebrate, recognize, and reward the achievements of ocean advocacy in any and all its forms. It celebrates the life and accomplishments of Jacques-Yves Cousteau on the year of his 100th birthday. Please visit http://www.oceaninspiration.net/ to find out how to help make lasting impact on our environment.