I’m a little late posting the results of the Underwriting Party last Friday but here are the details and some great photos from the event courtesy of SIMA and photographer Kevin Voegtlin.
Press release:
Underwriting Party Raises $50,000 Towards Annual SIMA Waterman’s Weekend
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. (June 9, 2009)- The SIMA Environmental Fund raised more than $50,000 at the fifth annual Waterman’s Weekend Underwriting Party on Friday, June 5. More than 100 surf industry executives and friends attended the underwriting party, held at the oceanfront Cyprus Shore Community Park. The money raised from the evening will help underwrite the costs for the upcoming 2009 Waterman’s Weekend to be held August 6-7, which will benefit 18 ocean-related environmental organizations.
“The SIMA Environmental Fund is excited to be going into our 20th year for Waterman’s Ball,” said Paul Naudé, SIMA Environmental Fund president. “This year’s economic climate 
has presented many challenges, but through a combined industry effort we are determined to maintain our support of 18 proven ocean-related environmental organizations, and look forward to achieving our fundraising goal of more than $400,000 raised at Waterman’s Weekend this year. The success of this Underwriting Party was a tremendous step toward meeting this goal. We know the very deserving event beneficiaries much appreciate the support of all the event underwriters.”
Throughout the night, guests tasted gourmet appetizers from San Clemente’s own Vine restaurant, and an array of drinks, with island lager donated by Primo Beer. Attendees mingled 
amongst blue-linen tables decorated with orchids and acoustic musician Rachel McGoye provided relaxing music as the sun set on the ocean. Many guests took advantage of the raffle tickets available, with a trip to the North Shore of Hawaii, tickets for the 2009-2010 Lakers vs. Magic grudge match, and a Stand Up Paddle Board plus Ritz-Carlton Spa package as the prizes. Raffle tickets can be purchased at https://www.sima.com/watermans.aspx. Guests were also given the opportunity to underwrite several components for the upcoming Waterman’s Ball. Centerpieces, wine, cocktails, D.J., VIP Reception, and more were all generously underwritten.
“We are proud to see the significance of Waterman’s Weekend continue to grow in ocean-related environmental circles,” said Naudé. “The surf industry and the surfing lifestyle’s very survival depends upon a healthy ocean and preservation of surf breaks. Surfers automatically become stewards of the ocean, as every time they paddle out they are engrossed in the environment around them. Surfers realize the work our beneficiaries are doing greatly affects our surf lifestyles, and in turn, we are glad the SIMA Environmental Fund serves as an avenue for surfers to support these groups.”
The Waterman’s Weekend begins Thursday, August 6, with the Waterman’s Classic Golf Tournament at the Monarch Beach Golf Links, and culminates on Friday, August 7, with the 20th Annual Waterman’s Ball and Auction. SIMA is excited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 
Waterman’s Ball by returning the event to the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, Calif. This year’s honorees include Waterman of the Year Rob Machado, Environmentalist of the Year Dave Rastovich, and Lifetime Achievement Award for the late Dick Baker.
Waterman’s Weekend Underwriting Party event photos are now available upon request from Mandy Johnson, SIMA Communications Coordinator, by calling 949. 366.1164 x 7 or by e-mailing mandy@sima.com. Individual tickets for the Waterman’s Ball are scheduled to go on sale in July. For more information about the Waterman’s Weekend, visit https://www.sima.com/watermans.aspx.
The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) is the official working trade association of more than 300 surf industry suppliers. Founded in 1989, SIMA is a non-profit organization that serves to promote awareness of the surf industry and participation in the sport of surfing through public relations efforts and a variety of services, educational programs and research. In addition, SIMA actively supports oceanic environmental efforts through its 501(c)(3) charitable environmental foundation, the SIMA Environmental Fund. In the past 19 years, SIMA’s Environmental Fund has raised more than $5 million for the environmental groups seeking for protect the world’s oceans, beaches and waves. The SIMA Humanitarian Fund, also a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, was established in 2006 to award grants to various 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. Please visit www.sima.com for more information.
