StokesMe, the SIMA Humanitarian Fund’s 30-day fundraising campaign, came to a close at the end of September and raised an estimated $100,000 gross for 12 surf-related humanitarian organizations. Throughout the month multiple initiatives took place allowing surf industry brands, retailers, consumers and athletes to join forces in making a difference.

As final 2014 numbers are being totaled, the SIMA Humanitarian Fund Board of Directors estimates that 40% more was raised in 2014 versus 2013. This jump can be attributed to the increased amount of retail doors, brands and new partnerships that were involved this year.

A total of 76 retail doors dedicated the month of September to asking their customers to add a dollar to their purchases in order to donate to the SIMA Humanitarian Fund beneficiaries. The implementation of the initiative in the retail stores was vital in meeting the StokesMe fundraising goal. The SIMA Humanitarian Fund Board of Directors is grateful for all retailers who participated including BC Surf & Sport, BC Surf Shop, Coastal Edge,Curl by Sammy Duvall, Emerald City,Farias Surf & Sport,Hansen’s,Huntington Surf & Sport, Jack’s Surfboards,Killer Dana,Maui Nix, Noll Surfboards,Rip Curl Retail, Rusty Del Mar Surf Shop, South Coast Surf Shop, Spyder Surf, Sun Diego,Surf Diva, Surf N Sea, Surf Ride,Surfside Sports, WRV and ZJ Boarding House.

Another huge factor in this year’s StokesMe success was the inaugural StokesMe Bowl-A-Rama, which took place during the Hurley Pro. This industry bowling night brought brands, retailers, athletes and beneficiaries together bowling head-to-head for the title of 2014 StokesMe Bowl-A-Rama Champions. The sold-out event alone raised more than $40,000 for StokesMe beneficiaries. StokesMe Bowl-A-Rama sponsors include International Surfing Association, Rip Curl, Hurley, Quiksilver, Vans, Agenda, Arnette, Billabong, Electric, Innovative Systems, L*Space Swimwear, Pipeline to a Cure, O’Neill, Reef, Salt Life, Sanuk, Stance andSurfline.

“The SIMA Humanitarian Fund Board is extremely grateful to all the brands, retailers, partners and enthusiastic individuals who supported StokesMe this year.” said Ross Garrett, President of the SIMA Humantiarian Fund. “The campaign is about the stoke that follows from helping the people, be it financially or with your time, and the surf industry really stepped up this year.”

In addition to the major events listed above, there were a variety of homegrown activations throughout the month by partners, individuals, brands and retailers in support of StokesMe. All funds from this year’s efforts will benefit 12 surf-related humanitarian organizations selected by the SIMA Humanitarian Fund Board of Directors for their dedication to improving the quality of life, health, and/or welfare of people.

Logo courtesy Stokes Me