On Saturday, April 6th, over 100 attendees gathered downtown Coos Bay for our 9th Annual Surfrider Gala. Each year, the Coos Bay Chapter hosts a fundraising Gala to raise money for our programs, events, and campaigns, so that we can continue our work to steward our local beaches and waterways. These funds go directly toward water quality testing, our scholarship program, youth surf camps, our ongoing Save Lighthouse Beach Campaign, and more.
This year, we were generously hosted by Black Market Gourmet, which served as the perfect venue for a fancy night of fun, food, and refreshments. Live music was provided by Just Friends Jazz Band, serving as a lovely backdrop to five food and drink pairings. Local beverages were provided by Stillwagon Distillery, Bandon Rain Cider, Bridgeview Coffee Roasters, 7 Devils Brewing Co, Freed Estate Winery, and Graveyard Pop, and each one was thoughtfully paired with a small bite.
This year we hosted both a silent and live auction, made possible by generous donations from local artists, businesses, and other organizations. Prizes included handmade quilts, paddling excursions, food and drink baskets, cases of specialty brews, handmade pottery, wall art, local getaways and activities, and much more! Also a hit this year was the mystery beer wall, where attendees could purchase specialty beers from Reach Break Brewing and Walt’s Pourhouse, each one a surprise!
We celebrated our victories from the past year and heard Surfrider news from around the state and the country from chapter co-founders and leaders Annie Pollard and Carmen Matthews, as well as Oregon Regional Manager, Kaia Hazard.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support your local Surfrider Chapter, and be a champion for our ocean, waves, and beaches! Our work is possible because of your generous support, and thanks to this incredible community, we were able to raise over $8,000 this year! We had so much fun celebrating with you, and we can’t wait to see you next year at our decennial Gala!