SIMA hosted the seventh annual Liquid Nation Ball Saturday, August 14, at Reef Co-Founder Fernando Aguerre’s La Jolla home, exceeding its fundraising goal of $200,000. The event, held as part of the festivities during San Diego’s ASR trade show and drawing more than 350 guests to the private estate, honored Grammy award-winner Jason Mraz as this year’s Humanitarian of the Year for his work with the Life Rolls On organization.
“The success of Liquid Nation Ball 7 confirms the surf industry’s core values and growing influence and the impact the surf industry is making through humanitarian organizations in the world,” said Aguerre, Liquid Nation Ball co-founder and host. “The SIMA Humanitarian Fund Board of Directors was honored to recognize Jason Mraz as the 2010 Humanitarian of the Year, as a fellow surfer who calls the beaches of San Diego home. His presence, words of inspiration and impromptu performance inspired us all to dig a little deeper into our hearts to support the 13 amazing beneficiaries of Liquid Nation Ball. Giving is the key to a full life.”
Aguerre, who boasts one of the best private surfboard collections in the world, hosted the live auction featuring limited edition Eddie Aikau Waimea Gun surfboard and surf session with 2010 Eddie champ, Greg Long, which sold for $15,000, as well as a once-in-a-lifetime Lakers game experience including NBA memorabilia, a luxury suite, up-close game seats, a complete behind the scenes tour of the Staples Center, and a meet and greet with the players, coaches, and legends, and much more, all while being guided by Walton himself – which auctioned off at a final bid of $15,000. In addition to the live auction, the Billabong Art of Shaping Orange County Edition auctioned off one-of-a-kind surfboards earlier that day at the ASR and Sacred Craft trade shows, raising $36,000 towards the SIMA Humanitarian Fund.
The evening capped off with dancing, live music, and an open bar.
“Now in its seventh year, Liquid Nation Ball consistently amazes me each year as it has grown not only in the amount of fundraising support raised, but as a night where the party gets better and more exciting each year,” said Aguerre. “Liquid Nation Ball is fueled by a passion for helping others through surfing. I look forward to honoring each of our 13 amazing beneficiaries by raising support for their inspirational work and programs.”
Photos by Josh Hunter and Liam Ferguson
TAGS: bill walton, fernando aguerre, greg noll, jason mraz, jesse billauer, kassia meador, liquid nation bal, Liquid Nation Ball, lnb7, paul watson, sea sheppard, sima humanitarian fund, whale wars
