Save The Waves is excited to announce the recipients of the 2019 Wave Saver Awards! Considered to be at the forefront of oceanic and coastal conservation efforts, this year’s Wave Savers are Bianca Valenti for Athlete of the Year, Klean Kanteen for Business of the Year, and Reece Pacheco for Environmentalist of the Year.
Athlete of the Year – Bianca Valenti
Bianca Valenti is a big-wave surfer, business innovator, media spokesperson and environmental activist. She is hoping to use her platform as the most accomplished female big wave surfer in the WSL to create more gender equity in surfing and other sports, as well as to raise awareness around ocean-health and environmental issues. She is a dedicated teacher, traveler, and, incidentally, a wine-expert with decades of sommelier experience. Bianca looks forward to winning more big wave competitions in the hopes that she can continue to shine a light on women’s sports and the environment.
Environmentalist of the Year – Reece Pacheco
Reece Pacheco was just recently named the Executive Director of WSL PURE. PURE, (Protecting, Understanding and Respecting the Environment) is the WSL’s nonprofit whose mission is to educate, motivate, and empower global ocean enthusiasts, to engage deeply in the fight to protect our oceans. Initial plans include collaborations with world class partners in research, conservation, and advocacy. He also has an extensive background with conservation groups such as Surfrider Foundation, The 5 Gyres Institute and WAVES for Development.
Business of the Year – Klean Kanteen
A leader in BPA-free, stainless steel drinkware and food transport, Klean Kanteen is family owned and operated, with distribution in 40-plus countries worldwide. Their products are the vehicles that deliver this promise, starting conversations, and inspiring people to make conscientious choices every day. A certified B-Corporation and 1% for the Planet member, Klean Kanteen is committed to using business as a force for good and has donated over $2 million to environmental organizations globally.
The Business of the Year award will be presented to and accepted by Caroleigh Pierce. As the Nonprofit Outreach Manager at Klean Kanteen, Caroleigh manages their 1% For the Planet giving program, overseeing financial and product contributions to nonprofit organizations and helping raise awareness for plastic pollution, land and water conservation, safe consumer products and getting families outdoors.
These amazing individuals will be honored at Save The Waves’ annual gala, Life Is A Wave, on May 23rd at the Dream Inn in Santa Cruz, California.
Previous recipients of this award include Cliff Kapono, Aulani Wilhelm, Sunkis, Greg Long, mark Price, Bureo, Ramon Navarro, Sachi Cunningham, The 5 Gyres Institute, Dr. Charles Lester, and Dr. Wallace J. Nichols.
Life Is A Wave is an annual benefit and fundraiser for Save The Waves’ environmental programs and features a gala dinner, and live and silent auction in addition to the Wave Saver Awards ceremony.
Save The Waves is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the coastal environment through a unique combination of protected areas, economics and direct action.