By Christine Peake
A Walk On Water (AWOW), a national nonprofit organization providing surf therapy to children with special needs, is proud to announce that its first annual fundraiser will take place on Saturday, April 29thbeginning at 8:00 PM in Malibu, California at Malibu Wines. The Wine for Waves fundraiser will be hosted by a committee of locally-devoted influential figures including Pierce Brosnan, Brandon Boyd, Shaun & Carla Tomson, Scott Caan, Kassia Meador, Reef McIntosh, Julie Gilhart, John Paul & Eloise DeJoria, Master Jean Jacques, and Jobi Manson.
A Walk On Water (AWOW) surf therapy events unite communities on both coasts in celebration of exceptional children and the healing power of the ocean. Wine for Wavesin Malibu will help fund the 2017 season of AWOW Surf Therapy, bringing joy to over 500 children and adults with special needs and their siblings. AWOW Surf Therapy events are scheduled at California beaches in Malibu, Ventura, San Clemente, Huntington Beach, and in Montauk, New York.
Wine for Waves guests will gather for a casually elegant evening event set against a stunning natural backdrop in the Malibu foothills under the stars. Just as surfers have their favorite breaks, this year’s event at Malibu Wines will showcase one of the premier outdoor venues in the Los Angeles area, and will quickly find a fond place in the heart of every attendee. Specialty hand-muddled cocktails featuring Patrón Tequila will complement offerings from Malibu Wines and Cismontane Brewing Co. and will be paired with a selection of gourmet food trucks.
The music stylings of DJ Big Drop will entertain guests throughout the evening. A highlight of the night will be the silent and live auctions featuring an exclusive stay at a seaside Costa Rican mansion, VIP tickets to top musical acts including Eric Clapton, Jason Mraz, Katy Perry, and others, and a golfing adventure throughout many of the most elite private golf courses in Southern California.
Wine for Waves will be the culmination of an incredible week in Malibu, as AWOW kicks off their 2017 Surf Therapy season on Apr 22, 2017 at First Point, Malibu Surfrider Beach: sponsored by John Paul Mitchell Systems and hosted by The Surfrider Malibu.
“A Walk On Water was born in Malibu, and the community has always rallied around our cause and provided incredible support,” said Steven Lippman, Malibu resident and President of AWOW. “We are looking forward to sharing this special night with our community, right on the heels of our season kickoff surf therapy event at the historic Malibu Surfrider Beach on April 22nd.”
“As parents of two special needs children, we strive to find happiness and success for our twin boys. We deal with the various daily challenges that life showers us with. However,when we are at an A Walk On Water event, the world stops and we feel like it is a day to celebrate our children. At AWOWevents, they greet us with open arms and our children are loved unconditionally. The world may be full of challenges and frustrations, but at AWOW events the only challenges the children face are the challenges they encounter out in the ocean catching waves alongside their surf instructors in a safe environment. Every wave is different, just like every child is different. 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.” – Nadine & Charles Wong, parents of AWOW Athletes
A short film shot and edited by the talented AWOW Image Team will be debuted to showcase what it’s like when the incredible athletes of A Walk On Water actually experience Surf Therapy.
Event sponsors include John Paul Mitchell Systems, Malibu Wines, Patrón Tequila, and committed individual philanthropists. For a full list of partners, host committee members, auction items and more information about Wine for Waves, as well as to purchase event tickets, visit www.awalkonwater.org/wineforwaves.
ABOUT A WALK ON WATER
A Walk On Water (AWOW) enables children and adults with special needs, along with their families, to experience the joy and healing power of surf therapy. The organization works closely with local communities, businesses and its volunteers and watermen — brought together in service of a shared mission — to help others experience the calming and therapeutic effects of the electrifying, living ocean; and, in the process, showcasing the best of surf culture.
Since its launch in August of 2012, AWOW has served nearly 1,000 families and provided surf therapy to nearly 2,000 children and adults with special needs and their siblings. Theirgoal is to increase the number of athletes served by at least 25% every year. The organization wants to reach those most in need, who have never had the chance to experience the thrill of Surf Therapy.
