Surfboards, Autism, Pearl Jam and Incubus
Surfboards, Autism, Pearl Jam and Incubus
Thank god for surfers. Sometimes I feel if it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be harnessing the healing powers of the ocean or tackling the environmental issues that stem from polluted waters. But we are, thanks in part to two surf related organizations that are leading the pack.
First, the Surfrider Foundation. This organization is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans through conservation, activism, research and education…its represented by over 50,000 members and 60+ local chapters in the U.S., with affiliations in Australia, Japan, France, and Brazil…and mark your calendars kids because on October 9 in Los Angeles, they are celebrating their 25th anniversary in style by awarding the ‘Surfriders Keeper of the Coast Award’ to Incubus AND Pearl Jam. This award is only given out once every five years to celebrities who have made significant contributions towards helping the foundation fulfill its mission. Joining Pearl Jam and Incubus at the bash? Baywatch actor David Chokachi, and a performance by the legendary Camp Freddy (featuring members from Jane’s Addiction, the Cult and Guns n’ Roses)…get your tickets HERE.
The second organization which is transforming lives-literally-is Surfers Healing. If you’re a regular reader, you should know by now that Surfers Healing was founded by Izzy and Danielle Paskowitz after their son Isaiah was diagnosed with autism. Soon, they realized the only place where Isaiah seemed to find respite was the ocean…so Izzy took Isaiah out surfing, (sharing the same board) and it had such a profound impact on Isaiah that Izzy and his wife decided they wanted to share this unique therapy with other autistic children…they soon began hosting day camps at the beach where autistic children and their families could be exposed to a completely new experience of surfing-and today, its one of the most recognized surf related organizations to spread love to autistic kids coast-to-coast. Most recently, you may recall, it was giving a massive dose of love from Flea during the Liquid Nation Ball.
And it’s not just Flea stepping up to support Izzy and his organization… surf legends such as Kelly Slater, Laird Hamilton, Matt Archbold, Makua Rothman, Sunny Garcia, Garrett McNamarra, Dustin Barca, Michael and Dereck Ho, Shane and Gavin Beshen, the Malloy Brothers, Shaun Tomson, Joel Tudor, Nathan Fletcher and Timmy Patterson, have all recently stepped up and donated surfboards and surf memorabilia to be auctioned off the top the Ritz-Carlton, (Laguna), during the Second Annual Holiday Surfboard Auction to benefit Surfers Healing. Several celebrities, including Scott Caan, Benjiman Bratt and Robert Hays, also signed boards and items…All surf items will be on display from Sunday, November 22 through December 31, 2009 with the bidding closing at noon on December 31, 2009. For more info, please visit SurfersHealing.org.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Los Angeles Lakers To Be Honored During Special Olympics Bash
Los Angeles Lakers To Be Honored During Special Olympics Bash
EVENT SPOTLIGHT: This Sunday, October 4, on the historic Santa Monica Pier, the Los Angeles Lakers will be honored at the Special Olympics Southern California’s 40th ‘Birthday Bash’… Lakers legends Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy will be representing the Lakers (which is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year)…Honorary Chair and California’s First Lady, Maria Shriver, will also attend the event with Special Olympics Board Member, and event founder, Anita Green.
“We are thrilled to be honored by an organization as important and meaningful as Special Olympics. On behalf of the Los Angeles Lakers, I want to congratulate Special Olympics and all its athletes on 40 wonderful years in the Southern California community. We look forward to working together with Special Olympics and continuing its mission for years to come.” Lakers General Manager, Mitch Kupchak.
The party, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. includes an appearance by the Laker Girls as well as an exclusive opportunity to take a photo with (and kiss) the Los Angeles Lakers’ Championship trophy….the family friendly bash includes rides, game booths, a silent auction, entertainment and for those willing to donate a little extra- a VIP brunch spread prepared by 35 of LA’s top restaurants.
This celebration commemorates 40 years for SOSC, which was founded by Olympic Decathlon Gold Medalist, Rafer Johnson. “What started 40 years ago with 900 athletes, three track and field events and two swimming events was the stepping stone for our organization, which has grown to 13,000 athletes,” said Bill Shumard, SOSC President and CEO. “I’m proud that Special Olympics can be credited with not only introducing sports to people with intellectual disabilities but for creating more accepting and inclusive communities.” Since its inception, the event has raised more than $4.5M.
Confirmed guests: Maria Shriver, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, James Worthy, Magic Johnson, Jim Hill, Rafer Johnson, Tami Farrell (Miss California, USA), Carrie Prejean (Former Miss California), Brandon Molale, Wynne Wharff, CC Perkinson, Christine Devine, Morgan Weirich, Scott L. Schwartz, Jo De La Rosa, Daniel Curtis Lee, Malik Barnhardt, and more to be announced…
General admission tickets are $45 and include unlimited rides, eight game booth tickets, and a meal coupon for Pacific Park’s Food Plaza. VIP tickets include unlimited rides and 12 game booth tickets and a special VIP Brunch for $150 per ticket for adults and children over age 5 and $500 for a package of 5 tickets. For tickets or further information, contact Special Olympics Southern California at www.sosc.org/pierdelsol or 562.354.2605.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com