The Islander Ladies Club recently presented One More Wave with a giant check for $10,000 in honor of fallen Navy SEAL Charles Keating IV, who was killed earlier this year in Iraq. This is the largest donation One More Wave has ever received. “We are so grateful,” said founder Alex West during a brief check presentation ceremony with Keating’s family and the Islander Ladies Club. “This money will provide a lot of equipment to deserving veterans. We will include an emblem on each surfboard to honor Charlie and carry on his legacy.” One More Wave provides custom surfboards and equipment that are modified to enable a wounded or disabled veteran to continue to enjoy surfing, a program Keating was greatly passionate about.
Money donated to One More Wave in Keating’s honor was raised by the Islander Ladies Club at their annual event: Beer by the Bay. The fundraiser is Coronado’s only craft beer festival and includes unlimited tastings from 20 Southern California breweries at the Ferry Landing and also features local fare and talent in the festivities. This year Islander Ladies Club selected One More Wave as their primary beneficiary as a way for the community to pay tribute to Keating. “There was no question we wanted to honor Charlie,” said Sara Berta of the Islander Ladies Club. ”With the support of Charlie’s family, it was a great privilege to be able to give back to One More Wave and support their tremendous efforts in serving our military community. We are all so happy with the outcome.”
In addition to the $10,000 donated to One More Wave in Keating’s name, Islander Ladies Club also used money raised at Beer By The Bay to donate $5,000 to the Wampler Foundation to help with the establishment of their new campground for disabled children, and $5,000 to the Coronado Schools Foundation. “We are so impressed by the showing of support our event received from members of the military and our community.” said Alisa Kerr, president of the Islander Ladies Club. “Thanks to them, Beer by the Bay greatly exceeded our expectations this year. We are beyond thrilled with its success, which allowed us the opportunity to highlight and contribute to our amazing beneficiaries.”
Islander Ladies Club is a local non-profit that is dedicated to serving Coronado. The small, but dedicated, group of local women has made an incredibly positive presence in the community since they formed in 2014. The next Beer by the Bay is scheduled for Saturday, September 23, 2017 at the Ferry Landing. “We are already gearing up for an even bigger and better event next year.” enticed Kerr. “You won’t want to miss it!”
