At the annual Waterman’s Ball, which took place August 15 at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, three individuals were honored for their contribution to surfing culture and money was raised for water-focused charities.
The Surf Image Manufacturers Associations (SIMA) once again held their Waterman’s Ball as part of an annual two-day environmental fundraiser. Awards were given to three surfers, the legendary Doc Paskowitz, Stephanie Gilmore, and Perry Farrell.
The lifetime achievement award was given posthumously to Paskowitz who gave up practicing medicine and dedicated his life to promote surfing. Doc Paskowitz, considered a surfing patriarch, died last November at 93 years of age.
Gilmore who can claim six world surfing championships, was named Waterman of the Year. Perry Farrell, a longtime Surfrider Foundation supporter and past recipient of the Surfrider’s Keeper of the Coast award, was named Environmentalist of the Year.
This year’s event kicked-off with a reception and silent auction at 5:00 pm, which was followed at 7:15 pm with dinner, a live auction, and the evening’s program. Typically, these fundraisers auction off items and services donated by local businesses, which in turn are mentioned in the promotional material sent to the Print company.
SIMA, itself a nonprofit, raised approximately $400,000 last year for other nonprofits that directly work at protecting our beaches, surf breaks, and oceans. Over the years the total raised and donated amounts to over $6.5m.Get a Free Quote for Print
