Santa Barbara Maritime Museum 20th Anniversary Virtual Surf Themed Fundraiser on May 29th

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) first opened its doors on July 29, 2000, with the unique mission to present and interpret the rich and diverse maritime history of the Santa Barbara Channel including important environmental issues. Now, SBMM is turning 20 and sailing on to new horizons, expanding and improving its many exhibits and educational activities for all ages.

To celebrate this important anniversary, The Museum had planned an exciting surfing-themed fundraiser for this year, honoring surf legends Shaun Thomson and Renny Yater, with Gregory Harrison as the Emcee, Hawaiian shirts and attire, hula dancing, music and classic surfing videos. Due to the limits on public gatherings, however, SBMM has decided to replace our traditional in-person annual fundraiser with our first ever week-long gala and online auction.

On Friday, May 29, 2020, members of the public will be able to log in to this special celebration on sbmm.org/20thsurf and hear from our speakers, view exciting surfing moments in history, and bid on auction items including artwork, vacation stays, vintage surfing memorabilia and clothing, and much, much more. This event also gives participants the opportunity to help support and sponsor specific museum activities and exhibits by “raising a virtual paddle” for our children’s educational programs, lectures, new exhibits, and other special events throughout the year.

Reynolds “Renny” Yater was one of the first commercial surfboard builders of the 1950s, a generation that put surfing on the map; and Shaun Tomson a former World Surf Champion, was named one of the 10 Greatest Surfers of All Time. Emcee Gregory Harrison, an actor, surfer, and close friend to Shaun Tomson, starred as Chandler in the 1987 surf film North Shore, among many other films and will be recognized by many for his role as Dr. George Alonzo “Gonzo” Gates on Trapper John MD. The attached press release provides further information about our honorees and the event, and I hope you will help me inform the community about this fun event to benefit the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum in this difficult time.