(L to R) Accepting the PECAA Gives donation on behalf of Urban Surf, are Jaidyn Cooper, Surf Therapy camp coordinator; Daniel Hitchcock, logistics and special events coordinator; board member Tyler White; and Destiny Anderson, program alumna and annual meeting guest speaker.
BOCA RATON, Fla.—Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) celebrated the mission and positive impact of San Diego nonprofit Urban Surf 4 Kids with a record-breaking donation of more than $60,000, the group advised. Announced recently at PECAA’s annual meeting in May, the donation surpassed last year’s record contribution through the charitable giving program PECAA Gives. To date, PECAA Gives has provided more than $280,000 to 11 local, youth-focused nonprofits in cities nationwide that have hosted PECAA’s annual meeting.
“We are extremely humbled to support nonprofits who help youth enduring hardship experience life-changing moments that impact the rest of their lives for the better,” said Jonathan Worrall, president of PECAA. “PECAA Gives donations are made possible thanks to the compassion and engagement of PECAA’s private practice members, vendor partners and PECAA team members who recognize the importance of giving back to the places that welcome us with open arms each year.”
Founded in 2009, Urban Surf 4 Kids provides opportunities for healing and empowerment through surf therapy, mentorship and life skills achievement programs for youth in foster care and at-risk communities. Serving San Diego and Orange County, Calif., the organization helps young people build confidence, connection and resilience through meaningful experiences and community support.
“What stood out most about PECAA Gives was that this felt like much more than a donation. Their team invested an incredible amount of heart, time and creativity into supporting our mission, and every person involved seemed genuinely committed to the success of our youth and our organization,” said Urban Surf 4 Kids executive director Craig Jenkins. “One of our program alumna who spoke at the event later described it as a full-circle moment in her life, helping her recognize how far she had come and the success she had achieved despite significant adversity. This partnership felt less like receiving a donation and more like watching our Ohana (family) grow.”
Jonathan Worrall (l) and Jenny Wiley.
Enabling the PECAA community to leave a positive imprint in host cities that welcome PECAA’s in-person event continues to be a priority, the group advised, as PECAA Gives first launched in 2016 when the annual meeting visited New Orleans and donated to the Edna Karr High School marching band.
“Connection is at the center of everything we do at PECAA and so presenting that big check to a local nonprofit during every annual meeting never gets old,” said Jenny Wiley, PECAA Gives program manager. “The organizations PECAA Gives supports are addressing critical needs of children and enhancing so many lives. We are proud to champion their very important work of driving real change in their communities.”
To learn more about PECAA Gives and the organizations that have benefited from the program, click here.
