During the duration of the J-Bay Surf Festival, both local and international visitors flock to Jeffreys Bay to enjoy the world class waves that the town has to offer. In an effort to give back to the community of Jeffreys Bay, the J-Bay Surf Festival provided two platforms through which surfers could donate to local organisations this year.
A VIP dinner and auction was held on July 17, at the Supertubes Park tent. Over 200 guests, made up of surf industry personalities and local VIPS, were welcomed and enjoyed a dinner catered by De Viswijf.
Gqeberha comedian Gino Fabbri provided ample laughs and a warm atmosphere, drawing on his Italian heritage to put on an Italian persona.
Throughout the evening a wide range of items from pro surfers’ surfboards to local artists’ artworks and vouchers from Shamwari and Pumba Game Lodges were auctioned.
By the end of the night, R319 000 had been raised, with John John Florence’s signed surfboard and rash vest fetching the highest bid of R26 000, followed by a Taryn Jenkins sunset oil painting at R25 000.
Proceeds of the auction will be allocated by the J-Bay Surfing Foundation to Wavepoint Surf, J-Bay Surf Alliance, KRAG, J-Bay Recycling Project and other initiatives that are doing valuable work in the Jeffreys Bay community.
A raffle was also held during the duration of the J-Bay Surf Festival, with tickets available online and at the contest site for R100.
Three prize hampers were up for grabs, with winners announced on July 26.
The proceeds of the raffle amounted to R46 000 and will go to the J-Bay Surfing Foundation.
The J-Bay Surfing Foundation funds various projects in and around J-Bay and works closely with the Kouga Municipality to keep the beaches, boardwalks and coastal gardens of Jeffreys Bay beautifully maintained.
Founded by surfers, the Foundation is actively involved in initiatives that aim to foster a healthy and sustainable relationship between people and the ocean.
Sponsors for the J-Bay Surf Festival included, Sealand, Quiksilver, Dawn Patrol Wines, Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure, Enricos Fishing Safari, Kakuli, J-bay Quad Biking, Papiesfontein Beach Horse Trails, J-bay Cycle Centre, Zebra Lodge, St Francis Links, Billabong, Thule, Slaters Toy Magic, Execuspecs, Samuel Beck Hairdressing, The Pottery, Jeffreys Bay Surf School, Salted Surf School, Crawfords Beach Lodge, RVCA, The Store, FOX, Crafted Cycles, Naturally Stoked J-Bay, Oakley, Yeti, Sneaker Lab, Silver Keeper and Lombardini.
For more information and to donate to the J-Bay Surfing Foundation visit: https://www.jbaysurfingfoundation.org/ and https://www.jbaysurffest.co.za/ for more information on the J-Bay Surf Festival.
