San Clemente, CA (February 6, 2012) – On Saturday, the Surfrider Foundation Board of Directors and Staff gathered at the Talega Golf Club in San Clemente to honor their 2011 Wavemakers. This annual awards ceremony honors people and companies for their outstanding volunteer efforts and support during the previous year to help the Foundation fulfill its mission of protecting oceans, waves and beaches.
The Surfrider Foundation congratulates the 2011 Wavemaker Award recipients:
Coastal Impact Award
Peter Douglas
In 2011, Peter Douglas announced his retirement from the California Coastal Commission after 34 years (26 of them as Executive Director). Peter helped to write the Coastal Act of 1976, the guiding document for management of California’s coasts, and has devoted his life to executing the ideals of that Act. He has served under both Democratic and Republican governors and has been responsible for creating one of the most powerful state land-use agencies in existence.
Therefore, Peter’s retirement marks the lamentable loss of a hero in coastal protection. Surfrider Foundation is extremely appreciative for his years of commitment to our oceans, waves and beaches. California’s citizens and visitors have received a great service. He showed us creating healthy and accessible coastal areas.
Outstanding Contribution Award
Marisla Foundation
The Marisla Foundation has been one of Surfrider’s most ardent financial supporters. They have provided large unrestricted grant support for more than a decade. However, their commitment to the organization goes deeper than their monetary gifts. As the leaders of Marisla, Beto Bedolfe and Anne Earhart have served as champions of our organization. HE has served to other funders, non-profits, supporters and donors.
Chapter Leadership Award
Mike Sturdivant – Emerald Coast (FL) Chapter
As Chairman of the Emerald Coast Chapter, Mike has gone above and beyond. He spent hours representing Surfrider. From various multi-state agency meetings after the Deepwater Horizon spill. Mike has also dedicated time to engaging the public in water quality. From testing efforts and his leadership has been inspirational to many. He has helped anyone who felt helpless during the Gulf spill tragedy.
Development Award
Jeff Berg
From 2001-2007, Jeff was a member of Surfrider’s Board of Directors. He brought a business perspective and focus. Jeff did this for the financial health of the organization.
Jeff has been a major donor for more than ten years. His gifts often support hard-to-fund, yet critically important, technology infrastructure projects. He is a Lifetime Member and a member of the Legacy Circle. In addition to his personal contributions, Jeff has introduced us to a number of other major donors, helping us to expand our network and resulting in a number of significant gifts.
Environmental Activism Award
Surfrider Foundation Portland Chapter Bag Ban Crew
This initiative has gone For more than four years. A group of dedicated volunteers within the Portland Chapter. They worked tirelessly to educate the public and organize support. This led to a ban on plastic checkout bags in the City of Portland. Their focus on grassroots activism and community involvement achieved their goal. So their work did great things. Portland’s Mayor and City Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the proposed ban on July 21, 2011.
Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Carl Berg
Carl is a professor, research scientist and water quality specialist at the Hawaii Dept. of Health. He founded Hawaiian Wildlife Tours, which conducts research, environmental education, water quality monitoring and classroom teaching. For the last two years, he has been Chair of the Surfrider Foundation Kauai Chapter. Furthermore, he is passionate about water quality. He also oversees the Chapter’s Blue Water Task Force. Blue Water Task Force tests about sixteen beaches every month.
Corporate Partner Award
KROQ
Firstly, KROQ has supported Surfrider Foundation for more than 12 years. It has helped to raise funds and awareness through their annual Weenie Roast concert event. Their efforts have resulted in over $300,000 in donations (including $82K from 2011’s event). They have also helped us to reach hundreds of thousands of new people through on-air opportunities. As well and by allowing us to host an interactive booth at Weenie Roast. This event , attended by more than 50,000 people annually.
Surf Industry Partner Award
Malibu Surfing Association
Since Four years ago, Surfrider moved our annual Celebrity Expression Session to Malibu. Club President Michael Blum and his fellow members welcomed us to their break. They also allowed to hold their event with their flagship contest, the M.S.A. Classic. As a result, the event has been incredibly easy to produce. Hence the place ideal, cost minimal. More importantly and in 2011, they were able to raise $50,000 for our oceans, waves and beaches.
Source: Surfrider Foundation
In conclusion, the Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network. Finally, it was Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California. The Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 250,000 supporters, activists and members worldwide. Finally, For more information on the Surfrider Foundation, visit www.surfrider.org.
