San Francisco, CA – Save The Waves Coalition is excited to announce the ninth annual “Life Is A Wave” fundraiser and benefit this year in San Francisco, Friday June 12th, at 111 Minna Gallery in downtown San Francisco, from 6:30p to midnight. At the top of the night’s highlights will be presentation of the annual “Wave Saver” environmental award to Surfrider Foundation CEO, Chad Nelsen.
A long time Save The Waves supporter and board member, Chad has spent his 20-year career working on the most pressing coastal environmental issues. Among his accomplishments are the establishment of the Reserve Marina Tres Palmas in Puerto Rico, one of the first marine reserves to protect the marine environment and surfing. Another was the huge victory to save Trestles in San Clemente, stopping a six lane toll road that would have destroyed the state park and the world-class wave. Last, leading the development of “surfonomics,” which is the science of understanding the economic value of surfing, and underpins one of Save The Waves’ key program areas.
“Chad has been a such leader in the movement to protect our coasts and oceans, and been a mentor to all of us at Save The Waves”, said Save The Waves Executive Director, Nik Strong-Cvetich.
The collaboration between Chad and Save The Waves is a long one. Chad has served on the board since 2008, serving as Board President from 2013 – 2015. He additionally serves on the executive committee of the World Surfing Reserves, and Surfrider and Save The Waves continue to collaborate on joint initiatives like the #CleanCowells campaign and 2015 Global Wave Conference.
“I am honored to receive this year’s Wave Saver of the Year Award because it symbolizes the cooperative spirit that exists between the Surfrider Foundation and Save The Waves,” said Chad. “Saving the world’s ocean and coasts is a monumental task and we all need to work together to have a fighting chance.”
In addition to honoring Chad Nelsen, “Life Is A Wave,” will also feature live music from Dan P and the Bricks and DJ Adam Twelve, exciting interactive visual displays, a finely curated live and silent auction and raffle, and a hosted VIP reception for honored guests. Join Save The Waves for a special evening and help achieve the fundraising goal of $100,000 for the event.