There is nothing sweeter than celebrating success in the delightful world of scuba diving.
This year California will mark a major milestone as they commemorate the silver anniversary of Chamber Day 25 for the diving community and to benefit the University of Southern California Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber on Wednesday, May 1, 2013.
We look back now to 1989, the year it all came about. That was the year that the Hyperbaric Chamber was in danger of losing its L.A. County funding which would have been a catastrophe for all divers in the area. Charisma Charters owner at the time, Roger Hess, was determined not to let that happen. He suggested a day of diving whereby all proceeds received from the charters would go directly to the Chamber. Thus, it became an annual event that divers continue to look forward to year after year.
Going from 200 divers and $15,000 in its first year, the oceangoing event now tops over 1,000 participants and strives to go over their $136,000 total raised last year.
The event itself has widely expanded to include Chamber Eve, the Flying Dutchman and the Chamber Challenge.
The Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber is the only one of its kind available every single day of the year 24/7. It provides a safe feeling for divers knowing that the facilities are available should a dive go wrong. This day of proclamation raises over 50% of the annual budget for the chamber.
It is a day for individuals to come together to support a very worthwhile cause and have fun doing so. Raffle prizes are all donated, the Aquarium of the Pacific donates their facility for the evening event and volunteers are glad to donate their time to such a wonderful purpose.
Check out how the events will unfold this year:
*The main event is Chamber Day, which includes a full day of diving (two dives) at Catalina, plus a walking tour of the Chamber at the Isthmus. Cost is $95 (plus $30 for food and airfills, which goes to the boat). This gets you the diving, the tour, a T-shirt, and 5 daytime raffle tickets.
*For those who can’t take the day off but would still like to participate, there is a lucky 13th edition of the Flying Dutchman—a mythical boat and a big part of Chamber Day and the perfect option for those who can’t attend in person. “Diving” the Dutchman will get you 5 daytime raffle tickets and a special limited-edition T-shirt available only to folks who sign up for the Dutchman.
*There’s also the Chamber Challenge, which “challenges” the diving community to raise extra funds for the Chamber through direct donations (mostly $100 pledges, but also $500 and $1,000, and even $5,000 and $10,000). You donate, and then it is hoped that you challenge your friends to match your generosity.
*This year, every donation to the Challenge of $250 or more will receive a special framed limited-edition poster of ALL 25 Chamber Day logos (shown below) from 1989 through 2013. This poster will NOT be available for sale by itself. Only a $250 or more Challenge donation will put this collector’s item in your hands.
*Raffle tickets, anyone? Whether you’re going on a boat or just looking for a chance to win some fabulous prizes, daytime raffle tickets are the way to go—because you don’t need to be present to win. Tickets are $1 each, with discounts when you buy more.
*Chamber Evening, co-sponsored by the Aquarium of the Pacific, wraps up the day. The event features full access to the Aquarium, a sit-down dinner in the Great Hall (under the life-sized model of a blue whale), a few speeches, a raffle, and finally, the presentation of the Chamber Day check to Karl Huggins, Director of the Chamber.
Be a part of one of the largest single-day scuba charity events in the United States and quite possibly the world. Find out more at www.chamberday.org or call (310) 652-4990.
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