SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. (June 9, 2010)- The SIMA Environmental Fund raised more than $59,000 at the sixth annual Waterman’s Weekend Underwriting Party on Friday, June 4. Overall the evening surpassed last year’s underwriting fundraising efforts by more than $9,000. More than 100 surf industry executives and friends attended the underwriting party, held at an oceanfront, private residence in the Cotton Pointe Estates of Cyprus Shore in San Clemente, Calif. The money raised from the evening will help underwrite the costs for the upcoming 2010 Waterman’s Weekend to be held July 8-9, 2010, which will benefit 19 ocean-related environmental organizations.
“The SIMA Environmental Fund is proud to have been supporting the efforts of oceanic environmental groups for the past 21 years through the Waterman’s Weekend fundraiser,” said Paul Naudé, SIMA Environmental Fund President. “In times of crisis, like the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf happening right now, we are reminded of exactly why supporting the work of our beneficiaries is so extremely important. The pictures of devastation that we see on the news are right in our backyard and it is the efforts of our 19 dedicated beneficiaries that combat and prevent water catastrophes that threaten our very lifestyle and livelihood.”
Guests of the Underwriting Party showed their commitment to the ocean by helping support the 2010 Waterman’s Weekend through underwriting several components of the Ball and biding on items in a short live auction. Waterman’s Ball centerpieces, wine, cocktails, D.J., VIP Reception, and more were all generously underwritten. The live auction garnered several winners of items including VIP Waterman’s Ball packages for two, dinner for six at Infusion in Ladera Ranch, and a Lakers/Celtics Grudge Match package. Throughout the night, guests tasted gourmet appetizers donated by Mozambique restaurant in Laguna Beach, and drinks donated by the Trinchero Family Estates and Coors. The evening was also accompanied by live performances given by ukulele player, Wes Miller, and classical acoustic guitarist, Payram Larijani.
The Waterman’s Weekend begins Thursday, July 8, with the Waterman’s Classic Golf Tournament at the Monarch Beach Golf Links, and culminates on Friday, July 9, with the 21st Annual Waterman’s Ball at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, Calif. This year’s honorees include Waterman of the Year Tom Curren, Environmentalist of the Year Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and a Lifetime Achievement Award for Al Merrick.
For photos from the Underwriting Party and information regarding Waterman’s Weekend, visit https://www.sima.com/watermans.aspx. For Waterman’s Weekend tickets, contact shannon@sima.com.
About SIMA
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 20 years, SIMA’s Environmental Fund has raised more than $5 million for environmental groups seeking to protect the world’s oceans, beaches and waves. The SIMA Humanitarian Fund, also a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, was established 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. Liquid Nation Ball serves as the annual fundraising event for the SIMA Humanitarian Fund, and since 2004 has raised and donated more than $1.25 million to surf-related non-profit humanitarian organizations. For more information regarding SIMA, please visit www.sima.com. Follow SIMA at Twitter.com/SIMA_SURF.
