Join actor and activist Ed Begley, Jr., emcee Dagmar Midcap (NBC San Diego weathercaster/environmental journalist), and other environmentalists as the Orang Utan Republik Foundation (OURF) presents the 9th Annual Pongo Environmental Awards and Benefit for OURF at the Building Bridges Art Exchange in the iconic Bergamont Station in Santa Monica, California. This is the same location as our 2018 Annual Event.

The theme this year is: "Biodiversity Matters- Our LIVES Depend on It!" as the call to protect the various forms of life on our planet is timely and the need to take action to avert ecosystem collapse can no longer wait. We can celebrate orangutans and biodiversity and learn what OURF and TOP-USA are doing to ensure the long-term survival of biodiversity. 

During the evening, three new Pongo Environmental Awards will be presented to individuals and organizations for exceptional achievement on behalf of orangutans and the global environment. The honorees will be posted on this site in the coming weeks.

The event will be an opportunity for OURF supporters and guests to learn more about the work of the Foundation and enjoy music and entertainment as we honor individuals and organizations who have made significant environmental achievements as recognized by OURF. 

Tickets for the event are now available. Early bird tickets for general admission will be available until September 14, 2023. Ticket holders will be able to attend the event reception and main program. 

Food and wine will be served during the event reception, from 5 to 6 pm. Out of respect to OURF's principles of protecting wildlife and animals, the food served will be vegetarian and vegan, tastefully prepared by Indonesian culinary professionals. 

Because this is a fundraising benefit for OURF, attendees will be able to bid on items and experiences offered at our online Silent Auction and Live Auction. Orangutan art will be featured within the art gallery venue. The Silent Auction will actually start 1 week before the gala and will end at 8:45 pm on October 14th (PDT). This will enable people across the country to help OURF raise funds through the silent auction. 

We will be Livestreaming the presentation portion of the evening so others can watch and enjoy the Pongo Awards globally. We will be streaming on our YouTube and Facebook channels.