This past weekend, the Surfrider Foundation celebrated their 2008 Wavemaker Award recipients. The Surfrider Foundation’s Board of Directors and Staff give out the award annually to individuals and companies for their outstanding volunteer performance and support to help the organization fulfill its mission.

Outstanding Contribution/Bob Mignogna – A legend in the publishing world, Bob Mignona tapped into his extensive Rolodex to assist the Surfrider Foundation in its fight to protect San Onofre State Park and Trestles. Bob’s efforts were instrumental in rallying activists, sharing information and generating support, and his keen insights have proven invaluable in galvanizing the local community around this important fight.

Development Award/Harriet Zaretsky and Steve Henry – Harriet and Steve created the Dillon Henry Memorial Internship Fund - Surfrider’s first endowed fund - in memory of their son Dillon. The fund provides, in perpetuity, monetary support to help students pursue a career in coastal marine conservation. The funds from this endowment provide annual stipends for two qualified interns to work with the Surfrider Foundation’s Environmental and/or Legal Departments. Thanks to these funds, the Surfrider Foundation can attract, hire and train the most committed interns.

Distinguished Service/Glenn Suba – A founding member of Surfrider Brasil, Glenn has given 100% to the Surfrider Foundation throughout the years. As a volunteer, environmental consultant, and “greening” expert, Glenn is constantly thinking of opportunities for Surfrider Foundation participation. Always on the front line of activism, his creative thinking motivates others to continue fighting for the protection of our coastlines.

Chapter Leadership/Scott Werny – Scott has been a Surfrider Foundation Chapter Activist for over 10 years, and his dedication has been a constant for our Hawaiian Chapter Network. Over the years, Scott has played a key leadership role in the Oahu Chapter, helping to create and implement a vision. In addition to establishing the credibility needed for an environmental organization to be effective, Scott has worked endlessly to establish a beach access coalition throughout the Hawaiian Islands. As a result of his hard work and efforts, the “Shoreline Access Coalition of Hawaii” includes B.E.A.C.H., Beach Access Hawaii, Free Ocean Project Kahea, Keep the North Shore Country, Livable Hawaii Kai Hui, Maui Tomorrow Foundation, Save Kahului Harbor, Sierra Club Oahu Group, Surfrider Foundation Kauai Chapter, Surfrider Foundation Oahu Chapter, Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter, and Windward Ahupua'a Alliance.

Corporate Partner Award/Barefoot Wine – Jeremy Soine - Barefoot Wine’s relationship with the Surfrider Foundation dates back over 20 years, to original partners Michael Houlahan and Bonnie Harvey, who were early supporters and activists. For the last three years, the Surfrider Foundation has partnered with Barefoot Wine in presenting their Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project. This unique event has worked with over a dozen Surfrider Foundation chapters across the country to keep our beaches “barefoot friendly” and help draw attention and support to such campaigns as Lake Worth, Save Pupukea, Montauk and the Save Trestles campaign.

Special Recognition Awards/ L.P.A. & J.J.S., Inc. – L.P.A. & J.J.S., Inc. are responsible for the green architecture of our new LEED Certified office space. In addition to their design work, L.P.A. generously guided the Surfrider Foundation through the LEED certification process. Beyond the construction of our new offices, J.J.S. worked tirelessly to help fundraise for the office build-out, donated items from their own office and went the extra mile to make sure the build-out process was a success.

Special Recognition Awards/ Surfing Magazine, Surfer Magazine, Transworld Surf, Surfline – These endemic partners generously supported the Surfrider Foundation’s Save Trestles campaign not once, but twice, this year (February and September) with copious editorial coverage. They also donated online advertising space in an effort to bolster attendance at the hearings. With their help, the Surfrider Foundation and its Save Trestles coalition partners were able to drive record attendance to both hearings.

Special Recognition Award/Vans – The original “action sport” company, Vans has been one of the Surfrider Foundation’s most steadfast supporters over the years. Within the last four years alone, Vans has donated nearly $50,000 to the Surfrider Foundation from the production of unique co-branded footwear. In 2008, Vans went a step further with the production of their new Mesa shoe and sandal, which are constructed almost entirely of recycled and sustainable materials. Vans has also been a vocal supporter of the Save Trestles campaign, bringing busloads of employees and supporters to both hearings.

Congratulations to all of our 2008 Wavemaker winners!

SOURCE: Surfrider