Pair take leading gala roles

Two Laguna Beach residents, Bob McKnight and Chris Copps, have been

named to the committee for the Ocean Institute’s 11th annual Golf Classic & Island Gala.

All proceeds will benefit the institute, based in Dana Point,

which is dedicated to increasing understanding and awareness of the

ocean and marine environment through youth education.

The golf tournament takes place April 18 at Coto de Caza Golf &

Racquet Club, preceded by the Island Gala on April 17 at the

Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.

The golf tournament features two courses with two games; the first

course will be played two best balls, and the second one will have a

scramble format. The gala will include a gourmet dinner, music, and

silent and live auctions.

Prior to and during the classic, a leader- ship program will take

place where Junior Amateurs will play with adult mentors to create

“fivesomes” and learn leadership, social skills and anger management.

Junior golfers will also compete for a $5,000 scholarship to be

donated to their school or favorite charity.

Honorary chairman McKnight is president and chief executive of

Quiksilver, Inc., a water sports clothing and accessories firm, and

has been involved with the institute for 11 years, sitting on the

board of directors. He is also an avid surfer, snowboarder and

golfer, and a father of three.

“The tournament’s benefit is two-fold,” McKnight said. “Young

people are encour- aged to develop their athletic abilities and learn

leader- ship skills, and the proceeds support the Ocean Institute,

which helps instill in the next generation a respectful awareness of

our marine environment.”

Copps, senior vice president with Merrill Lynch, lives in Emerald

Bay with his family, and says he became involved with the institute

through his neighbor, McKnight.

“When Bob came to me 10 years ago and shared the story of this

incredible, hands-on learning center for kids, I was immediately

hooked,” Copps said.

For more information, call Suzanne Perez, (949) 496-2274, ext.

412, or visit www.ocean-institute.org.