Pacific Marine Mammal Center Raises Over $9,000

Submitted by the Pacific Marine Mammal Center:

PACIFIC MARINE MAMMAL CENTER RAISES OVER $9,000 AT THE 5th ANNUAL MARTINI MADNESS, HOSTED AND DONATED BY JON MADISON OF MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) announced today that it raised over $9,000 -- the highest grossing amount for this event ever,  at its May 19th, 2013 Martini Madness fundraiser at Madison Square Garden and Café.

Funds raised at the event will go towards the emergency fund set up to help care for the hundreds of sea lion pups that stranded along the Orange County coastline in the last few months, resulting in the largest stranding crisis in the history of PMMC. So far in 2013, over 325 sea lions have washed ashore, suffering from severe malnourishment, and have all been retrieved by Pacific Marine Mammal Center to begin rehabilitation.

“Jon’s generosity of hosting and completely underwriting the Martini Madness during a crisis demonstrates a true act of philanthropy,” says Melissa Sciacca, PMMC Director of Development/Marketing. “His support has directly helped us care for the nearly 150 seal and sea lion patients currently at our hospital in need of medical attention, and we are most grateful for his kindness and support.”

Approximately 150 people were in attendance to enjoy the atmosphere of Madison Square Garden, sip a variety of martinis, and feast on the gourmet food. There was even a surprise visit from PMMC Mascots “Sammy” and “Sealena”.