by N. Harvis
The annual BeneFiesta honors the legacy of Jimmy Miller, a waterman, founder of Camp Surf, Los Angeles County Lifeguard, Junior Guard instructor, writer, and traveler.
This year’s BenaFiesta, on Saturday, July 22, also honored Kevin Sousa, the beloved Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation Clinical Director.
During his seven years as clinical director, Sousa worked the Wounded Warrior Battalion West, with at risk/at promise children, health care workers on the front lines in the battle against COVID, the addiction and homeless populations, and JMMF’s newest participants — the special needs young adults from the local Friendship Foundation and Mychal’s Learning Place.
In addition, this year’s BeneFiesta honored Pat Dietz of Dietz Brothers Music, the longtime music teacher to hundreds of South Bay families.
And finally, the evening honored designer, mom and long time JMMF supporter Talia Fredericks. All were taken from us this past year.
More than 300 guests attended this year’s BeneFiesta, at the Jennifer and Jeff Wallin home on Terraza Place in Manhattan Beach. Instead of a parting goodie-bag, guests were welcomed with bracelets, designed for BeneFiesta by local jeweler Energy Muse. Loncaros (the California version of Lonkero, Finland’s traditional drink) were served while host Jeff Wallin answered questions about his 1967 Sunbeam Tiger.
This year’s theme was “JMMF — Getting to the Heart of the Matter.” Mermaids from the Jimmy Miller Club at Mira Costa (Tea Trent and Darby Roath) swam through the large gold hearts floating in the pool. More hearts loomed large on the giant 15-foot by 11-foot LED screen provided by Joe Lewis & Co.
Guests sampled Marsatta chocolates by chef Jeffray Gardner, and tastings by La Cienega Wine; El Cristiano Tequila; Batch 22, a unique aperitif; and Jackson McCrea Rye Whiskey, a women owned spirit company.
Guests also competed in ring-toss to win Kai Fragrances, craft Bourbons, donated by Casey Pepe, and champagne donated by Nicolas Feuillatte.
Dinner was a southwestern feast prepared by Chef Jack McLaughlin, followed by traditional churros, and fruit flavored Palentas.
After dinner, Annika Hutsler, a retired Marine from the Wounded Warrior Battalion West, at Camp Pendleton, spoke about how surfing with JMMF helped her heal from her below the knee amputation, and convinced her she could participate in other sports.
Next year, she is competing in the Paralympics in seven sports.
Realtor Robb Stroyke, a longtime friend of Jimmy Miller, was honored with the Pure Surfing Experience Award. Stroyke shared stories about the legendary Spot X surf trip, and what he would talk to Jimmy about if he saw him today.
Ron and Stacy Harrison received the Legacy Award for having hosted the first Benefiesta after the pandemic and continuing to support the JMMF.
Jimmy’s brother Jeff spoke about the friends lost this year, and introduced a video about Sousa, accompanied by his long-time band-mate and friend, violinist Emily V.
Unique paddles sponsored by the Jennifer Caskey Group, were distributed for signaling contributions to a fund for a new JMMF van, which will enable the non-profit to take their Ocean Therapy program up and down the west coast.
More funds were raised with a live auction of a trip to the Ferrari Factory in Italy, a Kentucky Bourbon tour, and a trip to the Amalfi Coast.
Other highlights of the auction, conducted by emcee Chris “Geeter” McGee, included a custom surfboard, dedicated to Kevin Sousa, and a 1 of 1 edition of the “Bubble” cartoon, drawn by Ian Freshman in memory of Kevin Sousa.
When the fundraising ended,Kevin Sousa Band members Neal Levin, Mark Righteous, and Emily V performed. Then Vox DJ KC Campbell took over. Dancers filled the dance floor and spilled onto the lawn, and around the pool.
When the music ended, guests were treated to the traditional end-of-the-BeneFiesta Fresh Brothers pizza, and a bag of the new, and healthy Climate Candy.
JMMF has provided ocean therapy, one wave at a time, for 19 years. The programs are now offered from San Diego to Santa Barbara.
The evening’s presenting sponsor wasThe David P Watson Foundation. For a complete list of BeneFiesta sponsors, and donors, and for more photographs by Ken Pagliaro and Chris Miller visit JimmyMillerFoudation.org.
