The Santa Barbara Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation’s recent “Save Gaviota” Holiday Party was an overwhelming success, raising more than $9,000.00 for Gaviota Coast preservation efforts. The fundraiser, which was held on Friday, December 11, 2009 at SOhO Restaurant and Music Club, featured 1977 World Champion surfer and Santa Barbara resident Shaun Tomson as Master of Ceremonies, as well as special musical guest Todd Hannigan and the popular band “Still Time” (www.stilltimemusic.com) from San Luis Obispo.
As part of the evening, a unique silent auction featured an exceptional group of fine artists whose original work appeared on ten surfboard fins (graciously donated by Chuck Ames of True Ames Fins). Participating artists included Ned Evans, Jesse Balmer, Rob Havassy, and Rick Rietveld, along with Santa Barbara locals Ryan Moore, Larry Iwerks, Sean Kirkpatrick, Rebecca Lovejoy-Stebbins, and Robert Heeley.
In addition, original works created specially for the fundraiser by artists Nathan Paul Gibbs, Jeremy Harper, John Klippenstein, and potter Scott Chatenever were part of the silent auction, along with an iconic print of legendary Hawaiian surfer and waterman Eddie Aikau by santa Barbara photographer Dan Merkel. All artists generously donated their time and talents.
Surfrider Foundation Santa Barbara Chapter would like to thank everyone – artists, musicians, and the public – who made this event a resounding success.
For more information on the chapter’s work to preserve the Gaviota Coast – the last remaining stretch of undeveloped coastline in southern California – go to www.surfrider.org/santabarbara or savegaviota.blogspot.com