Stephanie Gilmore, Perry Farrell and Doc Paskowitz Honored
LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. (August 17, 2015) – More than 600 surf industry VIPs came together to support the preservation and protection of the ocean at the SIMA Environmental Fund’s Waterman’s Weekend fundraiser on August 14 and 15th. The 15th Annual Waterman’s Classic Golf Tournament took place at the Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point on Friday, and the 26th Annual Waterman’s Ball took place at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel the following night. In the past 25 years, the SIMA Environmental Fund has raised more than $7 million through Waterman’s Weekend for organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting our oceans, beaches and waves.
“In addition to honoring an all-star group of individuals who have dedicated their lives to protecting our oceans and being ambassadors of the sport of surfing, we were also thrilled to recognize and raise funds for our 18 deserving ocean environmental beneficiary organizations” said newly elected SIMA President Kelly Gibson. The two-part fundraiser weekend kicked off with the Waterman’s Classic Golf Tournament, an event that brings together more than 150 surf industry executives and local business leaders to enjoy a day of golf, on-course entertainment and friendly competitions on the side all in the name of charity. Tuttle Click’s foursome came in first place, the Go Pro team was deemed the best-dressed foursome, and Stance was awarded the title of Best Hole Activity.
Waterman’s Ball, a formal affair at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, was at full attendance with attendees excited to be raising money for the environment and supporting the night’s honorees. The event celebrated three honorees for their outstanding dedication and powerful influence on the sport, culture and business of surfing. Six-time world champion, Stephanie Gilmore, was named Waterman of the Year; Lollapalooza founder and Jane’s Addiction frontman Perry Farrell was recognized as Environmentalist of the Year; and the late patriarch of the “first family of surfing”, Doc Paskowitz, was given the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The evening was capped off with a surprise musical performance from honoree Perry Farrell and fellow rockstars, Metallica’s Robert Trujullo (who also presented Farrell with the award later in the night) and Porno for Pyros’ guitarist, Peter DiStefano. Farrell specially curated the set for the night which featured Jane’s Addiction hits, Ocean Size and Mountain Song, as well as Porno for Pyros hit, Tahitian Moon.
Following the silent auction, fundraising continued at the night’s live auction. Audi donated a 2016 Audi Q3 featuring Quattro all-wheel drive and premium plus package, and bidding for the car finally settled at $37,500. The bass guitar used by Metallica’s Robert Trujillo and signed by Trujillo, Perry Farrell and Peter DiStefano sold for $10,000 to fellow honoree, Stephanie Gilmore. A rare, vintage Tom Blake paddleboard from 1935 spurred a bidding war, finally selling for $35,000. Honoree, Perry Farrell, donated a VIP Lollapalooza experience which went for $20,000. Other auction items included an exclusive sushi dinner for 10 personally prepared by Chef Aki of Akioni’s Catering, a VIP trip to the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing in Hawaii, commissioned portrait from artist Letty Nowak, Surfline takeover, event at The Ranch in Laguna Beach and an all-inclusive trip for two to Tavarua Island in Fiji.
All funds raised go directly to supporting specific programs of 18 non-profit environmental organizations that address water quality and ocean pollution issues, defend beaches and surf breaks from development, and provide public education on ocean conservation. Beneficiaries include: 5 Gyres Institute, Assateague Coastal Trust, Clean Ocean Action, Heal the Bay, KAHEA, North Shore Community Land Trust, Ocean Institute, Orange County Coastkeeper, Paso Pacifico, Reef Check, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, Save the Waves, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, Surfers Against Sewage, Surfing Education Association, Surfrider Foundation, WiLDCOAST and Wishtoyo Foundation.
