Seaside, Calif. - In 2000, Cal State Monterey Bay assistant women’s water polo coach
Sherrie Vignau began volunteering at the Ride-a-Wave (RAW) organization and has been returning every year.
She first heard about RAW through fellow surfers. “This organization is amazing! We are like a family, brought together for a common cause…to bring the love of the ocean to special needs kids.”
Ride-a-Wave is a 100% volunteer organization with the mission of giving children with special needs the chance to feel the thrill of riding a wave and experience a safe, fun-filled day at the beach, whether they are physically, developmentally or economically challenged.
RAW was founded by Danny Cortazzo, a local fireman, paramedic, lifeguard and a former champion tandem surfer. Ride a Wave helps kids faced with life challenges such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, blindness, quadriplegia, autism, cancer, burns, as well as those from low-income or broken homes. RAW services organizations such as California School for the Blind, Jacob’s Heart, and Balance Foundation.
Recently, Vignau was asked to travel to the east coast with Best Day Foundation, a sister organization formed for the purpose of bringing the award-winning RAW program to other communities. Best Day was founded in 2008 by Max Montgomery and Brooks Lambert, two long-time Ride-a-Wave volunteers.
“It is a life changing experience to be able to give these kids something they have never experienced,” stated Vignau. “At the end of the day, I am exhausted but so satisfied. Their smiles say it all. That’s what keeps me coming back.”
If you are interested in volunteering please visit the Ride-a-Wave website at
www.rideawave.org.