On October 7th, the Surfrider Foundation hosted their annual One Ocean event at The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano, CA. Following the event, Surfrider’s CEO, Dr. Chad Nelsen, said “Saturday night was an incredibly positive, hopeful and fun night for our ocean, coasts and the Surfrider Foundation. It was so encouraging to feel everyone's passion and connection to our ocean, waves and beaches that we're working so hard to save”.
More than 200 guests gathered at the sold-out event, one of the most successful One Ocean galas to date. Honoring ‘Wavemaker’ Chase Offield, the benefit brought together leaders in the surf, fashion, recreation and music industries to enjoy an evening under the stars with live music by Slenderbodies, a gourmet farm-to-table style dinner, and an art auction curated by Charles Adler with a beautiful custom piece by Alex Weinstein. Initiative updates were also shared by Dr. Nelsen on Surfrider’s ambitious goals to end ocean plastic pollution, ensure clean water for all, and protect our coastal communities from the impacts of climate change.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the ‘Wavemaker’ award, symbolized by a handcrafted piece from artist Scott Richards (Slightly Choppy), to Chase Offield for his incredible support of the Surfrider Foundation and ocean conservation. Chase comes from a family with an incredible legacy of conservation. In the early 70s, his family led the efforts to conserve almost 90% of Catalina and formed one of the largest land trusts of the time. He has continued that legacy with his support of Surfrider and a number of other organizations. As Dr. Nelsen said, "His support and faith in Surfrider and our programs has allowed us to move from the small local grassroots organization we started as, to the international power house we are today". Following the award presentation, Mr. Offield also shared some inspirational words and reminded attendees that individual action is important, while ending with a quote from Robert Swan "The greatest danger to the planet is the belief that someone else will save it".
The Surfrider Foundation extends gratitude to the generous sponsors, in-kind and auction donors, and all guests for supporting the protection of our ocean, waves and beaches for the future.
Thank you to our generous Sponsors: Sonance Foundation, LaCroix, Verizon, Yeah! Rentals, and Salt+Snow.
Thank you to our generous Auction Donors: Tavarua Island Resort, The Ranch Laguna Beach, Janet Manosalvas, Don Q, Maison Louis Marie, Everlane, Caddis, Vissla, Sisstrevolution, Cynthia Rowley, ALPAKA, L*SPACE, Patagonia, Faherty, Rothy's, AllSaints, Firewire, Hermes of Paris, Darker Waves, Rip Curl, Seea, Sonance, Clare V., John Varvatos, Hyperice, Murf, Yeti, House of Marley, REN Clean Skincare, Pottery Barn, Almond, Outerknown, Bing, Alex Weinstein, Amy Bader, Craig Barker, Susanne Melanie Berry, Ricky Blake, Jenny Bloyer, Art Brewer, Ben Brough, Jeff Canham, Russell Crotty, Ned Evans, Todd Glasser, Julie Goldstein, Leroy Grannis, Jp Greenwood, Rick Griffin, Rich Harbour, Leo Hetzel, Hi-Dutch, Jeff Hornbaker, Wade Koniakowsky, Allison Kunith, Leticia Lorenzini, Nathan Mckee, Travis Millard, Mike Moir, Jason Murray, Scott Richards, Evan Rossell, John Severson, Kevin Short, Pat Stacy, Matt Titone, Bruno Turpin, Tyler Warren.
Thank you to our generous in-kind donors: Duckfoot Brewing, Seaglass Wine, Plant Depot, Juneshine, Aloha Collection, Tito's Vodka, DonQ, The Beach Rosé, and Wildflower Florist.
For more info on Surfrider's annual One Ocean event, or to join us next year, visit surfrider.org/one-ocean-event! Thanks for helping to protect the ocean, waves and beaches for the future.