The Resorts of Dana Point Celebrate Arrival of Elephant Parade and National Elephant Appreciation Day with Themed Packages

DANA POINT, Calif. (Sept. 20, 2013) – In honor of National Elephant Appreciation Day on Sept. 22, The Resorts of Dana Point are offering exclusive elephant-themed packages for travelers to experience the American premier of Elephant Parade: Welcome to America. The free, outdoor art exhibition — featuring a colorful herd of over 80 life-size elephant sculptures hand-painted by iconic celebrities and acclaimed artists — is dedicated to raising awareness and funding to support the endangered Asian Elephant.

“The entire community has rallied behind Elephant Parade and it’s mission of saving the endangered Asian Elephant,” said Rob Koscelnik, General Manager of the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Doheny Beach – Dana Point. “The Resorts of Dana Point are proud hosts and welcome visitors to experience this beautiful exhibition in our breathtaking destination.”

Elephant Parade: Welcome to America resort packages include:  

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel features three life-size baby elephant sculptures by artists Mira Gulati, Holly Branson and Nat Posilla, along with 14 half-size tribute elephants. Starting at $545 USD per night, guests will receive an Elephant Parade gift basket and daily breakfast for two in Raya, the resort’s award-winning restaurant, or In-Room Dining. Resort fees are included. To book, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com or call (949-240-2000).

St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort

The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort is exhibiting 18 custom creations including four 6-ft elephant sculptures by artists Olivia DeBerardinis, Gudrun Hauser, Jeff Carillo and Chad Attie. Starting at $345 USD per night, the Elephant Parade: Welcome to America package features complimentary valet parking, a mini elephant amenity and walking map to view the Exhibition throughout Dana Point.  A portion of the room rate will be donated to The Asian Elephant Foundation. To book, please visit www.stregismb.com or call 866-716-8135 and use the keyword ELPHPKX.

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa

Featuring sculptures by Alexandra Nechita, Wyland and Alan Nowell, the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa boasts 17 artworks spread throughout the luxury property. The Elephant Parade Package starts at $279 USD a night and includes breakfast for two and an Elephant Parade Welcome Gift. Resort fee included.  To book, please visit www.lagunacliffs.com or call 949-661-5000.

From now until Nov. 7, 2013, travelers can view the exclusive collection of original art pieces on display at The Resorts of Dana Point, local parks, public beaches and throughout the OC Dana Point Harbor.

Following the 10-week Exhibition Period, Closing Ceremonies will be held Nov. 10 – Nov. 16 at Lantern Bay Park. A Grand Auction event will be held on Nov. 17, 2013 at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa where select elephants from the herd will be auctioned to raise money for The Asian Elephant Foundation and their efforts supporting various elephant conservation projects across Asia. All of the custom artworks in Elephant Parade: Welcome to America are up for sale or auction. Email auction@elephantparade.com for more information on the November 17 Grand Auction or direct sales inquiries.

The Elephant Parade was founded in 2006 by father and son team, Marc and Mike Spits. While on holiday in Thailand, Marc was introduced to a baby elephant named Mosha, who became the world's first elephant to be fitted with a prosthetic limb after stepping on a stray landmine.  Mosha’s journey inspired the Spits to start Elephant Parade and The Asian Elephant Foundation, an independent charity that financially supports and actively monitors projects aimed at the survival and welfare of the Asian elephant.

To date, the exhibitions have been seen by over 8 million people worldwide and more than $6 million has been raised to support the species.

More information

For more information, please visit www.mydanapoint.com/elephants and www.elephantparade.com.

Like Dana Point on Facebook at www.facebook.com/myDanaPoint.

Press Contacts

Mandev Khalsa, BLAZE PR at (310) 395-5050, mkhalsa@blazepr.com

Chelsea Hartnett, BLAZE PR at (310) 395-5050, chartnett@blazepr.com        

About Dana Point, Southern California

Conveniently located halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles in Orange County, Dana Point showcases a breathtaking collection of resort properties with an approachable elegance unique to the Southern California shoreline. Dana Point’s dramatic beauty is complemented by a distinct variety of year-round signature events, as well as boundless ocean experiences along its golden coast. Renowned as the whale-watching capital of the world, Dana Point features an abundant marine life and a legendary harbor that opens to an ocean of possibilities.

About Elephant Parade

Elephant Parade is the world’s largest open-air exhibition of life-sized, decorated elephant statues created by local and international artists. It is Elephant Parade's mission to be the world's largest support organization for the Asian elephant, threatened with extinction. The open-air art exhibitions generate worldwide attention, public awareness and support for the cause of elephant conservation.