WHALE TALES 2018 Event Summary and Financial Report

Mahalo to all Whale Tales 2018 sponsors, event partners, donors, presenters, and volunteers!

WHALE TALES 2018 WAS PRESENTED THANKS TO THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF

Dear Friends of Whale Trust,

We hope you were able to join us at Whale Tales this year. It was another fantastic and inspiring weekend! In addition to bringing together people who are fascinated with whales and who want to learn more about them, Whale Tales is also a fundraiser. Proceeds raised during Whale Tales support whale research and education in Hawaii and funds are distributed to organizations and students who conduct research on whales and the marine environment in which they live.

Whale Tales is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of individuals, businesses, and foundations supporting and/or hosting the special events, receptions, whale watches, and contribution of time, art, and services. The generosity of these sponsors and our incredible team of volunteers means that ALL money raised at Whale Tales directly supports the mission of the event. We are so thankful for the people who help make this event happen each year and look forward to seeing you in 2019!

Thank you for your support!

With warmest aloha,The Whale Trust Team

Education ProgramOver 3,000 schoolchildren have participated in the Whale Tales annual education programs since 2006. This year, 250 students from three schools joined Whale Tales presenters and volunteers for a morning of hands-on education. Students learned about whale song, photography, conservation, identification and disentanglement.

Art & Education ExpoThe expo featured 17 exhibitors, including Maui marine artists and photographers, reef-safe sunscreen, and local conservation and education organizations. All participants who sold items in the expo generously donated a portion of their sales back to Whale Tales in support of whale research.

Expert PresentationsWhale Tales 2018 featured 14 presenters from around the world, sharing their latest research, recent stories, and award-winning photography with attendees.

MC: Ralph PacePresenters: Jim Darling, PhD (Whale Trust), John Ford, PhD (Marine Mammal Scientist), Christine Gabriele, MSc (Hawaii Marine Mammal Consortium), Beth Goodwin, MA (Jupiter Research Foundation), Douglas Hoffman (Kohola Gallery), Ralph Lee Hopkins (Lindblad Expeditions), Scott Kraus, PhD (Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life), Ed Lyman, MSc (HIHWNMS), Jill Mickelsen (Hawaii Whale Research Foundation), Joseph Mobley (University of Hawaii at Manoa), Kathy Moran (National Geographic Magazine), Flip Nicklin (National Geographic Contributing Photographer & Whale Trust), Rosalind Rolland, DVM (Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life), Kate Stafford, PhD (University of Washington), Marty Wolff (Fine Art Photographer)

Sponsored by The Bendon Family FoundationEducation Coordinator: Magen Schifiliti

ARTISTS: Chelsea Kohl, Marty Wolff Photography, Sherri Reeve Designs, Moana Glass, and Douglas Hoffman BUSINESS & MERCHANDISE: Helen Jean Hamernick Attire, Raw Love Sunscreen, and Raw Elements Sunscreen RESEARCH AND EDUCATION: Happy Whale, NOAA Fisheries Maui Marine Mammal Response Program, Oceanwide Science Institute, The Keiki Kohola Project, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, Hawaii Marine Mammal Consortium, Whale Trust, Maui Nui Marine Resource Council & Hui O Ka Wai Ola

“The Whale Tales experience made learning fun... I feel very privileged to go and have an incredible experience with you all.”

-5th Grade Whale Tales Student Participant

Family DayWhale Tales 2018 included an outreach program day at the Hyatt Regency Maui featuring fluke painting, a hands-on science, art and technology expo, and films about the marine environment.

Event Partners: The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Hawaii Ocean Project, Maui Ocean Center, Mama Kuleana, Trilogy, Surfrider, Oceanwide Science Institute, MacGillivray Freeman Films, Silverback Films, NHNZ

Benefit Whale WatchesWhale Tales 2018 hosted 14 whale watches, all generously sponsored by our whale watch partners. Participants enjoyed time out on the water, and each boat had a Whale Tales presenter on board to share their expertise. 

Coordinator: Jill Mickelson (Hawaii Whale Research Foundation) Whale Watch Partners: Captain Steve’s Rafting Adventures, Gemini Sailing Charters, Hawaii Ocean Rafting, The Jayhawk, Lahaina Cruises/Hawaii Ocean Project,  Luckey Strike Charters, Makai Adventures, Maui Adventure Cruises, Trilogy Excursions, and Ultimate Whale Watch and Snorkel!

Special thanks to Jodelle Fitzwater (Get Fit with Jodelle) for hosting the Stand Up for Whales guided paddle.

Receptions and Special Events Whale Tales is made possible thanks to the generous support of individual and corproate sponsors and a huge team of volunteers. Each of the special events and receptions is sponsored by individuals and businesses to celebrate the contributions of these individuals and businesses.

Special thanks to Gunars and JoRene Valkirs, Asia Vous, Barry and Irene McPhee, Deb Caswell, South Maui Fish Company, Kohola Brewery, Phylecia Platte, Trilogy Excursions, and CJs Catering!

“I think this event really brings together a unique community that advocates for stewardship and protection of our local whale population.”

-Whale Tales Attendee

VIP RECEPTIONSponsored and hosted by Gunars and JoRene Valkirs, this reception is a unique and memorable opportunity for sponsors to meet the Whale Tales presenters.

MAHALO RECEPTIONVolunteers are the backbone of Whale Tales. The Mahalo Reception is an opportunity for event staff, presenters, and sponsors to celebrate our volunteer team and say thank you.

VIP SUNSET WHALE WATCH The annual VIP Sunset Whale Watch aboard Trilogy Excursions and sponsored by Phylecia Platte, is the Grand Finale to Whale Tales weekend each year.

PO BOX 243 MAKAWAO, HAWAII 96768

PHONE: 808-572-5700 EMAIL: INFO@WHALETRUST.ORG

W H A L E T R U S T.O R G W H A L E TA L E S .O R GWHALE TRUST

2018 Whale Tales Financial Report

Whale Tales Reserve Fund $10,982 15%Beneficiaries-Organizations $18,00 25%Beneficiaries-Students $3,500 5%Whale Trust* $40,731 55%

Total Profit Allocation

Whale Tales is an annual four-day event on Maui hosted by Whale Trust. The event brings together marine experts with thousands of residents and visitors from around the world. Scientists, photographers, filmmakers and conservationists join the public to raise awareness and funds for research and conservation. Proceeds from Whale Tales support whale research in Hawaii through the Whale Tales Beneficiary Program. For more information visit whaletales.org.

“Each time I participate in Whale Tales I leave feeling very reassured that the community does really care about the many pressures and issues that can impact whales.”

-Whale Tales Attendee

$137,802 $160,140 $203,457 $217,765 $227,517$5,786 $11,454 $13,403 $10,641 $10,641$84,331 $93,124 $145,923 $155,922 $164,944

$53,471 $67,016 $70,937 $72,484 $73,213

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Total Event RevenueTotal Reserve FundTotal Event Costs

TOTAL PROFIT

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRYAN BERKOWITZ

*Supports Whale Trust research projects including female behavior, humpback whale song, and research photography, as well as student internship programs.