Virginia is for lovers…of the Surfrider Foundation that is. The city of Richmond, while not coastal, is an active outdoor community on the James River that flows to the ocean. And it is why Mary Ottley, this current year’s Chair of the Collegiate Surfrider School Club, the first high school club on the East Coast back in 2008, decided to build local support and awareness in Richmond for not only her local school club but also the local community.
To do that Mary envisioned, and really had her heart set on, connecting a membership drive with Donovan Frankenreiter’s August concert in Richmond with a pre-show event. Loyal supporters, new students and parents all gathered at The Broadberry Theater to help make the pre-event a huge success. Attendees were greeted by Donovan Frankenreiter, who signed autographs, answered questions, handed out copies of his CD to those in attendance, and they were able to watch the band perform their sound check.
The event exceeded Mary’s membership goal with over 60 new members to the Richmond area and total donations equalling over $2600. “Mary is a great club member with high aspirations that I do believe she can accomplish based on her work in the past for our club as well as other non-profits,” said Alex Peavey, Collegiate counselor and school club advisor. Every step of the way Mary was making connections with the venue and managers, communicating what she learned, and meeting her deadlines.
This exemplifies what the club network is all about – teaching and encouraging our future generations on how to make a difference in their own backyard. We hope you join us as we thank Mary for her unwavering Virginia love for the Surfrider Foundation and thank her school club advisor Alex Peavey for setting an amazing legacy he has helped build here in this City.
Learn more about how to get involved or support the Youth School Club Network and our young ocean activists.