“Life Is A Wave” Makes Big Splash in San Francisco

Save The Waves Founder Will Henry with 2012 Wave Saver Award recipient Wallace J. Nichols. Photo: Sam Henderson

Save The Waves raises $60K at annual fundraiser to protect surfing coastline
San Francisco, CA – Life Is A Wave, the annual fundraiser hosted by Save The Waves Coalition, once again washed through the halls of 111 Minna Gallery in downtown San Francisco on Friday night, June 15^th. The sixth annual bash raised $60,000 for Save The Waves’ environmental programs, to further protect and preserve surfing coastline around the world.

Wallace “J.” Nichols, Research Associate at the California Academy of Sciences and environmental campaigner, was presented with the 2012 Wave Saver Award for his work protecting the ocean environment. “Most people know I’m an optimist,” said Nichols to attendees at the evening’s VIP reception. “I’m an optimist because of groups like Save The Waves and because of people like you in this room that are joining together in this fight to save our oceans.” Nichols is a longtime Save The Waves supporter and advisor, and also serves on the World Surfing Reserves Vision Council.

This year’s event featured an “Evolution of the Wetsuit Fashion Show,” supported by O’Neill, Hotline, and Matuse Wetsuits, in honor of the newly dedicated Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve. It also brought together live music from up and coming artists Mars Today and Jake Nielsen’s Triple Threat, as well as top talents DJ Julicio and DJ Teeko.

“The event was a tremendous success and we’re so appreciative of the support for our efforts,” said Save The Waves Executive Director Ginaia Kelly. “Life Is A Wave is a rallying cry for the greater community around the importance of coastal protection and the fight to protect our special surfing areas.”

Save The Waves would like to send an enthusiastic thanks to all those who donated to the auction and attended the event, as well as Life Is A Wave 2012 event sponsors, including Billabong, Pacifico, Hangar One Vodka, Clif Bar, Patagonia, Zola, Quiksilver Foundation, RVCA, Surfline, Hog Island Oyster Co., Longboard Vineyards, Peligroso Tequila, 7x7, and Earshot Entertainment. Please visit savethewaves.org for a complete list of event friends and donors.

All proceeds from Life Is A Wave benefit Save The Waves Coalition's environmental programs.
For a complete event wrap up, visit savethewaves.org

For more event photos, please visit the Save The Waves Flickr page