Surfgimp Foundation hosts Winter Beach Bash

The Surfgimp Foundation held its sixth annual Winter Beach Bash Jan. 18, at the Rusty Rudder in Dewey Beach.

Tickets included a four-hour premium open bar, a large silent auction, a live auction featuring a trek with gorillas in Rwanda, and a delicious meal provided by Jimmy’s Grille Catering. Three sets of live music were provided by Bryen O'Boyle and Just the Tip.

Surfgimp Foundation's mission is to support, through financial grants, individuals with disabilities who require assistance to pursue an active lifestyle. So far, a little over a half a million dollars have been raised and donated since 2018.

For nearly a decade prior to his death, Jay Liesener and his always-present support group, Team Surfgimp, caught waves while inspiring curious beachgoers. The team called Delaware home, but traveled to Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and California as one big family, conquering preconceived limitations together.

Jay liked to say, "I was having a little fun while making a political statement at the same time. The idea was to take a derogatory term about disability and use it to challenge people's assumptions."

Grants funded through Surfgimp Foundation have served to reduce financial obstacles for children, teens and adults with disabilities who wish to experience their greatest adventures.

For more information, to volunteer or to donate, go to surfgimpfoundation.org.