Santa Monica teens in crisis are being given a helping hand this weekend, with a celebrity-studded Surf Art event raising funds for the opening of a local youth recovery center.
One Recovery is a Santa Monica-based nonprofit organization that “seeks to ignite the passion that exists within every struggling young person and heal the hearts of their loved ones by architecting prolific experiences, providing education and raising awareness,” organizers explained.
Two weeks of events culminate this weekend in an effort to stage regular events in Santa Monica that mirror support services in other parts of Los Angeles and Orange County.
"Santa Monica has more outlets for youth than most," said One Recovery founder Lynne Pedersen. "The beach, parks, the Police Assistance League is free and offers creative resources to the kids, but once kids reach High School it is difficult to pull them in, you have to meet them where they are, and where many are struggling is to find themselves, their way."
One Recovery’s mission is “to provide free support groups to teens and families where the diagnosis or struggle is not the focus but the connection as one human to another is its primary purpose…every weekly meeting is a conversation not a lecture that invites awareness and the power of choice,” organizers said.
"I want the rich creative community of Santa Monica and Malibu to join me in offering inspiration as the new medication for these kids," Pedersen said.
Friday night, Lisa Swayze is hosting The Art of Surf featuring the cast of “Point Break” and “Point Break Live.” Patrick Swayze’s “Point Break” board and art will also be on display. Actors John Philbin, BoJesse Christopher; writer Peter Illif and Thomas Blake as well as members of “Point Break Live” cast with special guest Dennis Jarvis of Spyder boards will all be present. The event takes place at The One Gallery Pop-Up, 1431 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica. Free tickets at Eventbrite.com, search Lisa Swayze.
Saturday evening, July 9, an Art of Surf Party will be held at the same location, with monies raised going directly to future events. Free tickets at Eventbrite.com, search The Art of Surf.
For more information head to: 1recovery.com
