By Thomas Paterek
Saturday August 21th, The Surfrider Foundation Suncoast Chapter teamed up with Jack Johnson’s “All At Once” organization to put on an all day promotional event cleaning up the beaches, and giving away some great prizes. Prizes included a weekend stay at the Post Card Inn, a pro skimboard donated by Wave Zone Skimboards, 2 sets of Jack Johnson tickets, an autographed memorabilia set signed by Jack Johnson himself, and case of Celsius Energy Drinks. The winner of the most trash collected for the beach cleanup was given a great prize package from sponsor Ocean Rebel. The focus of the day was to engage in a membership drive while spreading the awareness for the reduction of single use plastics. This event was the most successful membership drive in the chapter’s history, bringing 20 new and excited members aboard while raising over $600 on the day. These proceeds will be matched by Jack Johnson’s “All At Once” organization.
Special thanks to all who helped lend a hand to make this event such a success, especially Suncoast’s intern Austin Piazza. Austin not only promoted this event to the masses, he also oversaw the entire day and weeks leading up. This event wouldn’t have been as prosperous without him. As to the day of the Jack Johnson concert (Aug 25th), the Suncoast Chapter will have a booth in the “Global Village” where they will be displaying their massive plastic wave made out of over1,000 recycled plastic bottles. Make sure you stop by and say Hi!