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.
Liquid Nation Ball 6: Flea Receives Humanitarian Award
“Anything that I have ever done, that is good, that is kind, that is helpful…it’s just what you are supposed to do. Nothing I have done is extraordinary or special, it’s just normal and it’s what all of us are supposed to do.” Flea upon receiving the SIMA Humanitarian of the Year Award.
Surfing industry legends and stars turned out in full force last night for the 6th Annual Liquid Nation Ball to honor Red Hot Chili Pepper Flea with the SIMA Humanitarian of the Year Award and raise money for 12 surf-related humanitarian organizations.
The event was held at the ocean front home of Liquid Nation Ball chairman and co-founder, Fernando Aguerre, who should also receive an award for his incredible hospitality and generosity. “The excitement and caliber of this year’s Liquid Nation Ball has taken the fundraising to a whole new level,” Aguerre said prior to the event, “I firmly believe that Liquid Nation Ball 6 will be the best and most successful one yet.” Oh, and it was. From the costumed creature that greeted guests to the never ending crab cakes, empanada’s, skewed chicken and shrimp-(not to mention the numerous open bars and buffets)-it was easy to see why this event sells out every year.
First of all, Aguerre’s home is breathtaking…like a museum. A surfer’s paradise of a museum…the walls are lined with rare, vintage and unique surfboards, as well as some amazing sports related memorabilia-including a Diego Maradona signed jersey and another one signed by the Argentinean soccer team…I was salivating.
Frolicking around the party were numerous celebrity athletes, notably Tony Hawk and Rob Machado. Machado is one of the world’s greatest surfers…and he is also one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. I plopped myself next to him in a cabana, eager to ask about him about his charity work. “I do have my own foundation, “ he told me, “It’s the Rob Machado Foundation. I teamed up with the elementary schools in my neighborhood, and we do environmental education programs, anything from your basic recycling programs and organic farming-we have organic gardens all over the property- and we also sponsor ocean week, which is an entire week where all curriculum is geared around protecting the ocean.” And as any good ocean-loven writer would ask, I had to bring up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch: “I’d like to learn more about it, “ he said of the Texas sized wad of garbage floating in the Pacific, “I have a few friends that are working on projects, they’ve gone out to it and they are just blown away.”
I also had the privilege of speaking with Flea (of the Red Hot Chili Peppers) about his charity work, his Silverlake Conservatory and how it felt to receive the Humanitarian of the Year Award…instead of transcribing the interview, I’ve opted to simply post the video of his acceptance speech after Tony Hawk and Izzy Paskowitz presented him with the award…Flea is one of the most sincere and genuine people I’ve met, with a deep-found belief in giving back. Simply put, he rocks.
Flea pretty much sums it up there…and might I suggest that next year you buy your tickets to this event the minute they go on-sale. Each year its sells out quicker than the previous year…please visit SIMA for more information or any of the links provided in this post-all the organizations are doing incredible things for our kids and the environment. Special thanks to four-time world surfing champion Lisa Anderson for all her hard work, Mandy Johnson from SIMA, Tony Hawk for finally remembering me, Rob Machado for being a classy stud with great follow through skills, Flea for being who he is and Fernando Aguerre for inviting us all into his home for a great cause.
About SIMA: The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) is the trade association of competing surf industry product suppliers working together to magnify their power for the development of the surf industry by: Promoting awareness and participation in the sport of surfing, which will result in increased sales of members’ products; Endorsing industry trade shows to assist members in bringing their products to market; Providing programs, services and information that will assist members in improving their business operations; Supporting oceanic environmental efforts through the SIMA Environmental Fund to ensure future growth of the sport and understanding of environmental activism.
About The Rob Machado Foundation: (RMF) is a California based 501c(3) not-for-profit private foundation. Founded in 2005, RMF was created to support charities dedicated to environmental programs within Southern California. Our primary mission is to provide funding and initiate educational programs focused on helping children understand their contribution towards a healthy earth. Annually, in September, the foundation hosts the Rob Machado Golf Experience in Solana Beach, CA as a means to support our efforts.
About Silverlake Conservatory of Music: The mission of the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a non-profit organization, is to facilitate basic music education. Our primary focus is on the youth of the community but all are welcome and encouraged to participate. The Conservatory offers private music lessons at a reasonable cost and grants scholarships to children in need, providing free lessons and instruments. The study of music enriches the life of the student as well as the community and society.
Next month, skateboarding icon Tony Hawk and Surfers Healing’s Izzy Paskowitz will present Flea with the 2009 Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) Humanitarian of the Year Award. Proceeds from the September 11 event will benefit 12 surf-related humanitarian organizations.
The official fundraiser for the SIMA Humanitarian Fund is set to be held at the ocean front home of Fernando Aguerre: “The 12 extremely deserving Liquid Nation Ball beneficiaries fight every day to make this world a better place,” said Aguerre. “Supporting Liquid Nation Ball is just one way we can help these organizations and give back to serious issues such as breast cancer awareness, malaria relief, spinal cord injury prevention, and urban youth outreach just to name a few. And on top of fundraising we are also lucky to be honoring Flea, who is someone who has also affected the lives of many.”
Granted, the music of the Red Hot Chili Peppers would be nothing without the wicked bass-playing skills of Flea, but hottie has left his mark on far more than music industry. His tireless humanitarian efforts include hours of volunteering with autistic children via his involvement with Surfers Healing and he also co-founded the Silverlake Conservatory of Music- a non-profit music school providing scholarships and affordable music lessons to children in the community.
I highly suggest getting your ticket to this event before it’s sold out…tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $300 each…only 400 will be sold. Will you be one of the few to enjoy a night of dancing, live music, great food, open bar, a silent and live auction of unique one-of-a-kind items to benefit the 12 surf-related humanitarian organizations? The SIMA Humanitarian Fund Board of Directors aims to continue the record fundraising legacy and raise $250,000 at Liquid Nation Ball 6. To purchase tickets, please go to www.liquid-nation.com.
I chose to spotlight this event for a couple reasons…it benefits 12 incredibly worthy organizations…most people aren’t aware of Flea’s humanitarian work…and the price of admission is nothing compared to the experience you’ll receive in exchange for helping others. Check out my previous post HERE.
Just discovered a great event and awesome foundation thanks to those blue eyes of Kelly Slater…the Life Rolls on Foundation held their 5th Annual “Night by the Ocean” Benefit last Sunday…also bringing a wee-bit more attention to this event was Prison Break babe Dominic Purcell.
Over 500 celebrities, surf stars and supporters stepped out in full force to support the Life Rolls On Foundation which is dedicated to improving the quality of life for young people affected by spinal cord injury. Sponsor Disaboom kicked in $75k while saluting the efforts of IMG Sports & Entertainment for their efforts in promoting positive images of people with spinal cord injury.
Don’t know how many of you have tried surfing before. Living in San Diego has given me pa-lenty of time on a board and I can tell ya its not easy. After watching autistic kids surf via the aid of ‘Surfers Healing’ I vowed never to have a bad day. And now, as we face this insane economic crisis, let’s keep it in perspective. Most of us can walk, talk and enjoy the freedoms that some can’t. The Life Rolls On Foundation rightly deserves some serious attention…as do those with spinal cord injuries. Combine ‘em both- add a few waves and a splash or two Kelly Slater into the mix and ya got yourself one hell of a foundation.
The black tie gala was held at the historic Hollywood & Highland Grand Ballroom, and the red carpet (complete with wheelchair access) was walked by: Kelly Slater, Nicky Hilton, David Katzenberg, Jenna Fischer, Brooke Burns, Dominic Purcell, Morgan Spurlock, Rob Machado, Brandon Boyd, Jeffrey Donovan, Brandon Jenner, Linda Thompson, Brandon Davis, Jason Davis and David Chokachi.
This years fundraiser was the largest ever for the Foundation and raised a whopping $340,000 thanks to heavy bidding during the cocktail reception…guests enjoyed dinner by Wolfgang Puck…Highlights of the evening included Kelly Slater underwriting Life Rolls On Foundation’s upcoming family fair for kids with spinal cord injury, Brooke Burns buying a trip to Tavarua Island, David Katzenberg winning a surfboard signed by Dean Morrison, Jeffrey Donovan winning a trip to Costa Rica, Jenna Fischer sponsoring a They Will Ski event to give children with SCI the opportunity to ski this winter and Sal Masekela donating $10,000 to the foundation.
Scheduled host for the evening, Sal Masekela, couldn’t make it due to a flight delay, so LRO founder Jesse Billauer took to the stage. Morgan Spurlock opened the ceremony followed by contributions from Dominic Purcell, Brandon Boyd, Rob Machado, Jeffrey Donovan, Jodie Nelson and Josh Billauer (Jesse’s brother).
About Life Rolls On: Founded in 1999, Life Rolls On Foundation (LRO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for young people affected by spinal cord injury. Utilizing action sports as a platform to push the bounds of possibility after SCI, Life Rolls On produces quality of life programming, raises awareness about spinal cord injury and funds research to find a cure. With a network of more than 70,000 supporters worldwide, LRO is one of the fastest growing, contemporary charitable organizations in the country and has been featured in national print, television and radio. In 2007, the organization received its first EMMY® nomination for Best National Public Service Announcement. For more information, visit www.liferollson.org. Also be sure to check out thier YouTube Channel.
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Delinda Lombardo delinda@athlebrities.com
On September 5, professional surfers and surf industry executives will converge at the annual Liquid Nation Ball - a charity fundraiser benefiting social and humanitarian organizations. This years ‘humanitarian of the year’ award will be given to Dr. Dave Jenkins, who founded SurfAid International. SurfAid delivers critical medical aide, malaria relief and prevention programs to the Mentawai people, off the western coast of Sumatra (Indonesia).
If you go the event, you’ll mingle with hot surfers while enjoying live music and bidding on one-of-a-kind-items…last year, the event raised $250,000…this year’s proceeds will be donated to Boarding for Breast Cancer, Keep a Breast, Surfer’s Healing, Jimmy Miller Foundation, AccesSurf Hawaii, Outdoor Outreach, Get a Board Foundation, Ka Keikio Hawaii Foundation, Stoked Mentoring, L.A. Surf Bus, Life Rolls On, Project Wipeout, SurfAid International and Sumba Foundation. For more info and how to buy tickets to this very affordable and worthwhile event, (held in San Diego) please visit: Liquid Nation.
Liquid Nation Ball is the annual fundraiser for the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association’s (SIMA) Humanitarian Fund. Established in 2006, the SIMA Humanitarian Fund was created to serve as the humanitarian arm of the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association by raising money from the public through fundraisers and solicitations. The SIMA Humanitarian Fund uses these funds to promote and support surf or boardsport related social and humanitarian non-profit organizations whose efforts are focused on improving the quality of life, health, and/or welfare of people.
SURFERS HEAL
The reason I mention the Liquid Ball is not solely because its hot surfers raising money for charity, but because a week earlier, I went to the Surfers Healing Camp in San Diego. Surfers Healing is one of the beneficiaries of the Liquid Nations Ball…and they are doing remarkable things with children who suffer from autism.
Surfers Healing was founded by Israel (Izzy above) and Danielle Paskowitz after their 3-year-old son Isiah was diagnosed with autism. The ocean was the only place that seemed to calm Isaiah down, so, being a former competitive surfer, daddy Israel had the idea to paddle out with Isaiah on the front of his surfboard…after a day surfing together, the positive and profound impact on Isaiah was obvious, and Izzy and Danielle decided to share this unique therapy with other autistic children and have been hosting camps at various beaches ever since.
And let me just say, wow. I am not an expert on autism by a long shot, but I am an expert on noticing good-deeds being done by fine men. The Surfers Healing Camp was held in San Diego on August 20. This little event needs much more attention-apparently the one in Malibu is off the hook-but in any case, watching big, tan, strong, surfers hoist little kids onto a surfboard and paddle out to sea is something to be seen.
Most of the kids were beyond excited. Kicking up clumps of sand as they ran by and jumped into the waves while the ‘surfers’ tried to snatch ‘em up and paddle them out. Some kids grabbed surfboards and tried to head out on their own as the surfers scrambled to keep up with them.
Every child at camp was smiling. Every parent at camp was smiling. Every surfer, every random beach-goer who strolled by was smiling. And it wasn’t just because of the sunshine and warm ocean temperatures…we were witnessing the magical healing powers of the ocean combined with massive amounts of love from these surfers and it was, simply put, beautiful.
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As always, thanks for reading.
Delinda Lombardo delinda@athlebrities.com
