Aquarium of the Pacific Announces the Winner of Its Summer Odyssey Raffle

American Honda Motor Company Gives Police Officer Raedean Rona the Keys to a New 2006 Honda Odyssey EX Minivan

Raffle Rakes in the Clams, Raising Over $66,000 for the Aquarium's Education and Conservation Programs

LONG BEACH, Calif., Nov. 8 -- A southland police officer's love for the ocean has won her a new car. Downey resident Raedean Rona is the winner of the Aquarium of the Pacific's Summer Odyssey Raffle. Today representatives from American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and the Aquarium of the Pacific presented her with the keys to a new 2006 Honda Odyssey minivan. The fundraising raffle raked in the clams, raising over $66,000 for the nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific.

"Thanks to Honda's generous contribution of a 2006 Honda Odyssey, valued at $30,795, the Aquarium of the Pacific has been able to raise additional money to support its education and conservation programs, which educate nearly 1.3 million guests annually," said Jeanne Brodeur, Aquarium of the Pacific V.P. for development.

The Aquarium of the Pacific sold more than 7,500 tickets for the Summer Odyssey Raffle. With each raffle ticket purchased participants supported the Aquarium in its quest to further public awareness of pressing global issues and to inspire action that will affect the future or our oceans for the benefit of all living things. The Aquarium serves more than 230,000 school children annually and manages the Marine Conservation Research Institute. The funds will also help support the care of the Aquarium's more than 12,500 animals.

"American Honda is honored to be the founding sponsor of the Aquarium of the Pacific. We are pleased that this raffle has been so successful for such an important cause. The Aquarium's goal reflects what we stand for at Honda -- a better environment for the benefit of our communities," said Eric Conn, V.P. of national advertising for American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

"When I heard about the raffle, I decided to purchase raffle tickets to support the Aquarium. I never thought I would win a new car. I am excited since I was in need of a new car and had been looking for one," said Rona. This Union Pacific Railroad police officer is a charter member of the Aquarium of the Pacific and often visits on her own to stroll through the galleries and relax as she watches the animals.

The Honda Odyssey is considered to be one of the most innovative minivans on the road with top-rated safety features and fuel-efficient mileage. Rona received a 2006 Honda Odyssey EX-L minivan with leather trim interior, a power moon roof, and heated front seats. She selected Ocean Mist, a blue hue, for the color of her new car.

The Aquarium of the Pacific, a nonprofit institution, celebrates our planet's largest and most diverse body of water: the Pacific Ocean. The Aquarium features the Lorikeet Forest aviary; its interactive Shark Lagoon; the 2005 MUSE award-winning kiosk exhibit Whales: Voices in the Sea; and the new Whales: A Journey with Giants program. The Aquarium was rated #2 as a Los Angeles area Family Destination in the 2004 Zagat U.S. Family Travel Guide. Dedicated to building a strong future for our oceans, the Aquarium's Marine Conservation Research Institute works on environmental projects. As the key voice for the Pacific Ocean, the Aquarium of the Pacific features classes for all ages, guest lectures with leading experts, festivals, and a myriad of other learning opportunities. A world of discovery awaits people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. The Aquarium is open daily from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and is located at 100 Aquarium Way in Long Beach, Calif. General admission is $18.95 for adults (12+), $16.95 for seniors (60+), $10.95 for children (3-11), and free for children under three and Aquarium members. For advance tickets and information, the public may visit www.aquariumofpacific.org or call 562/590-3100.

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