The valet service of Duke’s Malibu didn’t get a moment’s rest last Wednesday night, as the parking lot was literally overflowing with the cars and limousines of guests arriving to help the local restaurant with its Big Wednesday Kick-off celebration.
The kick-off was sponsored by Surfer Magazine, Stussy and Budweiser to benefit the American Oceans Campaign (AOC) and the Malibu Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.
Pouring drinks at the bar was “Baywatch” star and local firefighter Michael Newman. Newman grew up in Pacific Palisades and has been surfing the waves in Malibu since he was 13 years of age. He is a supporter of the AOC “because of years enjoying the ocean. It’s my own backyard, I had to come,” said Newman. “And I get to come as a celebrity bartender and raise money for the ocean. It’s a great opportunity.”
Big Wednesday is a summer-long fundraiser for the two organizations. This is the fifth consecutive year that Duke’s Malibu is hosting the weekly event with Surfer Magazine as the main sponsor. Each week, someone from the surfing industry brings products to raffle off, with raffle tickets selling for $1.00 each. All of the money earned from the purchase of raffle tickets and drinks is donated at the grand finale party, which takes place Sept. 12–a Wednesday. The two organizations will then split the funds raised.
“We raised more than $3,000 last year, and we hope to raise even more this year,” said Amanda Rose, marketing manager for Duke’s Malibu. “We hope to exceed $5,000 [this year].”
AOC was founded 13 years ago by actor/activist Ted Danson. AOC’s goals are to restore and protect ocean habitats, as well as to ensure clean, safe beach water.
“It’s our first year at Duke’s and we’re very excited,” said Kelli McGee, AOC’s California director, “because the proceeds that are divided at the end of the summer will help clean beach water.”
The Malibu Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the world’s oceans and beaches. The foundation covers beaches from Playa del Ray to the northern county line.
At around 8:30 p.m., the raffle drawing took place. Prizes included Stussy merchandise, as well as three surfboards, one snowboard and one skateboard, donated by Patagonia, Marty Allen, Lance Carson and Nidecker, respectively.
Malibu resident Ken Luskin, president of Intrinsic Value Asset Management, had simply gone to Duke’s to have a drink with a friend, unaware of the huge event taking place.
“Now that I’m here, though, it’s a lot of fun,” said Luskin. “I’m having a great time.”
Luskin purchased four raffle tickets, and although one lucky woman won three times, Luskin’s numbers weren’t called once. Maybe next Wednesday.
The Big Wednesday event will not take place July 4. The American Oceans Campaign can be visited on the web at www.americanoceans.org. The Surfrider Foundation can be visited at www.surfrider.org.