Tonight, Saturday March 15, a private residence in Bel Air was transformed into a “gathering” for concerned environmentalists invited to raise awareness and funds for global conservation. The focus of this party was Leonardo Di Caprios 11th hour Action Campaign and Dr Wallace J Nicholas group Ocean Revolution. This is the fourth in a series of “Family Affair” parties that are organized to inspire guests into taking action in their own lives to make a difference. These parties are invitation only and mine read “Family Affair - Changing the World One Party at a Time”. Tree Media Group joined forces at tonight's event with the group Family-Affair.org to not only inspire but raise funds for DiCaprio's 11th Hour Action Campaign college tour which educates the youth of America in helping to sustain our planet. Tree Media Group, responsible for writing and directing the Leonardo Di Caprio produced 11th Hour documentary, was founded by sisters Leila Conners Petersen and Nadia Conners and has entered its ninth year of operation. Over the last nine years, Tree Media Group has consistently worked on projects that disseminate progressive messages and ideas

Around 7 pm, just as the California sun was setting to the Pacific Ocean (I think this was planned), about 400 invited guests showed up and begin to mingle on the beautifully landscaped grounds of this private Bel Air home. Guests dined on amazing food by Alcazar Tapas Bar, desserts by Akasha and organic margaritas were provided as the “house” beverage. A variety of speakers gave short presentations on the current state of our environment and music was provided by DJ's Marques Wyatt and DJ Braden In addition to the fine food and entertainment, a silent auction and live performance painting by Carlos Vera took place during the event. Carlos Vera has become known for developing a theme-based concept art with each of his individual clients. His mission is not just too create an original environment, it is also to express the client's persona into the environment .

All guests were given a “reusable” SWAG bag full of goodies designed to create, educate and inspire positive change for our planet. Inside my Green SWAG in addition to numerous eco friendly items was a brightly colored bag of Whale Tails Tortilla Chips. These certified organic, kosher, zero trans fat, non gmo tortilla chips are produced locally here in Southern California and are rapidly becoming the favorite“eco” snacking chip at events like this involving ocean conservation and environmental protection. Ms. Terry Kraszewski the President and Co Founder of Whale Tails Tortilla Chips was in attendance at tonight's event and I had a chance to speak to her about the success of her eco entrepreneurship.

Ms Kraszewski said “that the wholesale perishable food business is probably the most challenging as a startup. Once you get through the certification, labeling and packaging requirements you need to develop your retail accounts in order to attract distributors. While doing all of this I never wanted to lose focus of the mission of Whale Tails Tortilla Chips which is to provide funding to groups actively involved in ocean conservation. Staying true to our goal is why we provided funds to Vigilantes de Bahía Magdalena to do water quality surveys in Magdalena Bay in Baja after only six months on the shelves of Whole Foods Markets in Southern California. Mag Bay (as it is called) serves as the calving grounds for our Pacific Gray Whales. We also have been able to provide thousands of dollars worth of product to help raise funds for environmental causes like tonight's event for 11th Hour Action Campaign and Ocean Revolution.” Over the last twelve months Terry and her whale tail shaped chips have attended Santa Monica's 30th Anniversary Gala for Paul Watson's Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Dana Point's Annual Ocean Awareness and Whale Festival Event, Surfrider Beach Cleanups, San Francisco's Annual Ocean Film Festival and Save our Shores Fund raiser in Santa Cruz California.

This 4th installment of “Parties With A Purpose". Family Affair was a huge success and I look forward to updating my readers on more events with this organization that partners with non-profits to help raise money and awareness for their specific causes. Last year alone through events like tonight they were able to raise enough money to plant over 60,000 trees with Trees For The Future.

for information on:

11th Hour Action Campaign visit:   www.11thhouraction.com Family Affair visit: www.family-affair.org Tree Media visit: www.treemedia.com Ocean Revolution visit:www.oceanrevolution.org