Bora Bora
If you don’t win your dream house in this year’s Laguna Beach Gold Coast Raffle, you may get a dream vacation as a consolation.
There’s always much excitement around this annual contest’s $1 million home grand prize, but the consolation prizes are also quite attractive. The rich rewards are designed to entice people to plunk down $150 a ticket. The proceeds go to the Ocean Institute, a Dana Point non-profit devoted to education about and protection of the ocean environment.
Second tier prizes include Lexus automobiles, $10,000 in cash and a luxury cruise for two through Tahiti, Bora Bora and other French Polynesian islands.
“Paul Gauguin cruises fit the Ocean Institute’s mission,” said Chris Meyer, president of ExpediaCruiseShipCenters of Orange County. “Guests enjoy pristine waters teeming with sea life and the cruise line is committed to preserving the exceptional experience.”
Paul Gauguin Cruises, which generously, donated the prize, is affiliated with famed oceanographer and environmental advocate Jean-Michel Cousteau, who is aboard several times a year, offering lectures and joining passengers on dives, which can be done from a dock on the back of the cruise ship.
“This is the best way to experience a bucket-list destination,” Meyer said. “Immersed in the Polynesian culture, you sail from island to island aboard a luxury ship with fine cuisine and plenty of opportunities to kayak, paddleboard, snorkel and scuba dive.”
People who don’t win the raffle can experience the Gauguin on one of several cruises for which Meyer has arranged special group pricing and Expedia amenities, including one he will be leading in July 2015.
“I have surfed Orange County’s coast for almost 50 years,” Meyer said. “So arranging this wonderful free cruise as a way to support the Ocean Institute felt natural.”
To enter the Laguna Beach Gold Coast Raffle, visit http://www.ocean-institute.org/
The final drawing, which will include the home and the cruise, is at noon, Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629.
To learn more about Paul Gauguin Cruises or any travel opportunity, call (800) 745-4015. Expedia CruiseShipCenters is a full-service travel agency offering Expedia prices with concierge service with 180 locations in North America. The Orange County office is at 24321 Avenida de la Carlota, Suite H-3, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.