Spirit of a Local Legend Lives On: Jimmy Miller Foundation

The event saw some pretty sweet conditions

The Memorial Foundation was established shortly after Miller’s death in 2004 and has since grown at an impressive rate. Working with a grad school program at USC, they developed an original Ocean Therapy program, which gives at-risk kids and children with mental and physical disabilities the opportunity to benefit from the healing powers of the ocean.

“Today was really amazing,” said Carly Rogers, who created the Ocean Therapy program as a thesis project for her Master’s Degree in occupational therapy from USC. “It’s awesome seeing the South Bay’s finest catching barrels all day long. Even the dolphins came out to surf with us!”

The future looks bright for the young foundation that was recently awarded one of the ‘Humanitarian Fund’ grants by the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association. With the exposure accompanying this prestigious grant, they are now getting a lot of backing from the major companies of the industry.

“But the program wouldn’t exist without the volunteers,” added Rogers. “We get people that surf, people that like to play at the beach, and people that just want to support a good cause. Anyone is welcome.”

People interested in volunteering their time and effort or to help to raise funds can find all the necessary information at the foundation’s website, www.jimmymillerfoundation.org.