Event Co-Chairs: Sue Cohn Rockefeller, Lois Robbins

Event: Hampton “Splash” Party

Date of Event: Saturday, July 10^th, 2010

Location: Watermill, NY

Name of volunteer organization: OCEANA

Co-Chair Name: Lois Robbins

Vivanista recently sat down with actress, philanthropist, and event co-chair, Lois Robbins to chat about her upcoming event:  Hampton Splash Party, and the organization it supports, Oceana.

Tell us more about Oceana’s history and mission. How has Oceana redirected efforts and funding to address the devastation in the Gulf?

Oceana’s teams of marine scientists, economists, lawyers and advocates win specific and concrete policy changes to reduce pollution and to prevent the irreversible collapse of fish populations, marine mammals and other sea life. Their experts are addressing the Gulf Oil disaster by helping to raise awareness about the status of wildlife in the Gulf, testifying in Congress, working to reduce human caused harm to wildlife, studying the potential impacts of the spill, disseminating information to the media and general public on the harm the oil spill will cause, and working to prevent future oil spills through policy measures.

They have rallied together with local fisherman, environmentalists and community leaders in New Orleans and Washington, DC to call for an immediate ban of all new drilling in US waters. People can support their efforts at www.StoptheDrill.org

What is it about Oceana that made you willing to take on the role as event Co-Chair?

I am concerned about the future health of our oceans.  I have three children and we live on the water.  If we don’t get serious about cleaning up the devastation we’ve caused, my future grandchildren won’t be able to swim in the ocean!

What will be special about Oceana’s Splash in the Hamptons?

It will be a fabulous and fun party! Jackson Browne will be performing.  The setting of our home is magical.  The most special part is the opportunity we are giving people to learn about Oceana.

What constitutes success for you with regards to the event?

To raise awareness and support for Oceana would constitute as success.  I also want the people to have a great time and make sure they leave wanting to come back next year!

How do you balance the quantifiable goal of raising money with the goal of broadening of goodwill?

I think at this point they are quite intertwined.  With the crisis in the Gulf, people should feel really great about supporting Oceana! Sure, we want to raise a lot of money.  At the same time, I can’t imagine that goodwill towards our children’s future isn’t also a goal.

What are the greatest challenges you’ve had to face?

We have a great team so it hasn’t felt challenging.  It’s frankly been invigorating!

What can other Co-Chairs learn from your experience?

Start early and have a great time.  Have a formidable co-chair as I do in Susan Cohn Rockefeller.  Sue is also Chairwoman of Oceana’s Ocean Council.

What background do you have to take on the role as Co-Chair? Have you chaired other charitable events?

I chaired the Roundabout Theatre Gala for three years.  I grew up with parents that were very philanthropic and watched them do this all my life.

What is your fundraising motto?

Don’t sweat the small stuff!  Feed them, and they will come!  If it’s an outdoor party, which ours’ is, pray for good weather!

Only fundraise for things you feel passionate about.  It makes the job easy!

Lois Robbins, Sam Waterson, Susan Cohn Rockefeller

What qualities make an event Co-Chair successful?

You have to be willing to ask people for help.  You need to be organized, tenacious and resourceful.

And again, a great co-chair which I have in Susan Cohn Rockefeller!

What is one fundraising tip you’ve learned that you’re willing to share?

Only fundraise with people who are as passionate as you are.  The co-chairs of an event are only successful if they have a happy, organized and solid team!

What faded tradition do you wish would be resurrected?

This one has nothing to do with fundraising.  I wish people would “dress-up” when they went to the theater.  It used to be a special evening out.  Now they dress like they’re going to the movies!

[Photos Courtesy of Jon Dee]