Contact: Brion Black, The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL)
Phone: 415-834-0900 ext. 305
Email: bblack@coral.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

San Francisco, CA - Tuesday, July 31 - The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) announced Dennis Liberson as this year's recipient of the Work, Wisdom, and Wealth Award for outstanding service on CORAL's Board of Directors.

Liberson's fundraising contributions include securing sponsorship for CORAL's Coral Reef Adventure IMAX Movie Premier Benefit, hosting fundraising parties at his home in Virginia, and providing photographs for Fiji's Namena Marine Reserve user fee tag—a tag that raised approximately $12,000 in 2004 user fees to fund conservation projects within the reserve.

Executive Director Brian Huse tells how Liberson also generously provided his expertise in Human Resources. "Dennis was critical in guiding the process for hiring our current Program and External Affairs Director. He provided access to recruiters that helped secure quality applicants. Dennis was also instrumental in the interviews-asking tough and pointed questions."

In addition, Liberson donated many of his breathtaking images from his underwater photo gallery to create the annual CORAL calendar-a premium that helps attract thousands of new members. "Photos are an important way for people to emotionally connect with coral reefs and the amazing amount of life they support. Dennis is always there with just the right image at a moment's notice," says External Affairs Director, Brion Black.

Liberson has served on CORAL's board since 2002. He is retired and lives in Virginia with his wife and two children and is currently working on a book of images from endangered coral reef areas.

The Coral Reef Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the health of coral reefs by uniting ecosystem management, sustainable tourism, and community partnerships. Find out more at www.coral.org.