Press Release:
California Surf Museum Silver Anniversary Gala Goes Off In Grand Style!
Saturday evening, June 11th, the California Surf Museum was the venue for a triple treat for those in attendance: the 4th Annual Fundraiser Gala, the official celebration of CSMs’ 25th Anniversary, plus the exciting unveiling of three new jaw-dropping exhibits.
To paraphrase the famous quote of surfing legend Rodney Sumpter in “The Endless Summer”: “If you weren’t there, you guys rea-l-ly missed it.” Just right for the occasion and playing to a sold-out audience, San Diego musician John Hull’s catchy set kicked the evening off as guests and surfing legends filtered in admiring the stunning new exhibits.
The entire look and ambiance of the Museum for this special night was a step over the norm: the sand floor, lantern-style lighting, tropical palms and plantings made a spectacular setting, transforming the “Secret Spot” back alley area into a scene from the Arabian Nights.
Honored guests included Professional World Tour and Triple Crown of Surfing founder/director Randy Rarick, 1976 World Champ Peter Townend, San Diego shaping legend Bobby “Challenger” Thomas and one of San Diego’s founding fathers of surfing, 84 years young and ageless, Jack “Woody” Ekstrom.
Other renowned attendees included NBA superstar Bill Walton, World Surfing Champion Linda Benson (the photo of sky-tall 6’11” Walton and the petite 5’1” Benson has to be seen!), Mike Tabeling, L. J. Richards, Sam Cody and Fernando Aguerre as well as a myriad of surf stars from all eras of the sport.
Skateboarding Legends were also in abundance including the 1st Women’s World Champion Laura Thornhill, Tony Jueton, Tommy Ryan, Dave Dominy and Brian and Brad Logan.
The gourmet food, provided by 333 Pacific, Harney Sushi and mouth-watering pastries from Petite Madeleine, was excellent. Pedro’s Tacos’ shrimp and carne asada burrito concoctions and Nagata Farms’ luscious honey-dipped strawberries were also huge hits with the appreciative crowd.
The newly redesigned spacious and elegant layout was comfortable, yet impressive.
Both the silent and live auctions were the smoothest by far with many of CSM’s enthralled guests and anxious bidders walking away with a treasure trove of rare, “priceless” items donated by Gala supporters. The guest check-in, the announcing, the food and beverage service – in short: everything was better organized and more enjoyable for the guests than ever before.
As the magical evening drew to a close and the totally satiated guests slowly exited the facility, CSM was told by many that this was the best Gala ever. CSM agrees wholeheartedly with a HUGE Mahalo and Aloha to all in attendance.
About the California Surf Museum
The California Surf Museum serves as an international repository and resource center for the lifestyle sport of surfing through capturing, preserving and chronicling its art, culture and heritage for the education and enjoyment of future generations.
The California Surf Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit located at 312 Pier View Way, Oceanside, CA 92054; phone (760) 721-6876 or email csm@surfmuseum.org. Please visit the website at surfmuseum.org. Open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with extended hours Thursdays to 8 p.m.
