Have A Cocktail In Santa Monica And Support A Walk On Water Surf Therapy

Surf therapy is a beautiful thing.

It comes in many forms and sincerely improves quality of life for thousands—from those suffering from cystic fibrosis, to autism, to post-traumatic stress disorder, the healing of the ocean’s a powerful thing.

This Thursday in Santa Monica, A Walk On Water, a surf therapy group that helps enrich the lives of children with special needs or disabilities, is hosting its annual West Coast fundraiser, Waves of Love.

“Every wave is different, just like every child is different,” writes the parents of twin boys who’ve enjoyed the AWOW program. “Surfing provides so many benefits for our kids. It brings a sense of calm and happiness. It also builds their confidence and independence. Surfing benefits their body as well as their soul.”

“I have waited a very, very long time for this day, ” writes the uncle of another participant, after seeing his “nephew Nicholas throwing the hardest shaka you have ever seen, because he finally got to surf. He caught two of the longest rides of the day—and two amazing wipeouts. I think he qualifies as a surfer now.”

Shakas and poundings: welcome to the tribe, Nicholas.

It’s easy to get caught up in the banter of the wavepool arms race or the minor space that “pro surfing” occupies in our daily, wave-riding experience. Thankfully groups like AWOW offer perspective. Through the simple act of giving somebody the gift of surfing, they’re tangibly and visibly improving the lives of those challenged with disabilities.

This Thursday, May 10, AWOW’s Waves of Love fundraiser will go down at the Annenberg Beach House, on the sands of Santa Monica.

The posh LA abode—a little 1920s number (built for actress Marion Davies by William Randolph Hearst)—will provide the backdrop for cocktails, food, mingling and music, as well as a live and silent auction.

Tickets are $125 at the door. Last year Pierce Brosnan, Scott Caan and Courtney Conlogue dropped in. They raised almost $100,000. If you’re in town, it’s a party worth going to…and if you can’t make it, the auction will be live online.