The Blue Project
The Blue Project, born out of two Malibu surfer’s visions—director/photographer Steven Lippman and publisher of Malibu Magazine Jason Rouse—is a national campaign to educate, stimulate, and inspire a vast audience who has the power to make change and stop the slaughter of whales and dolphins and the abundance of pollution. The “No Leash Required!” event honored Lippman for helping to showcase innovative organizations like SurfAid in order to sound the alarm over the world’s fast-disappearing natural habitats. http://www.malibublueproject.org
Lippman—who has directed John Paul Mitchell Systems’ recent “What Inspires You” campaigns—directed a viral PSA with the funding support of DeJoria which aims to shine a light onto the heroic efforts put forth by individuals who are impassioned to save the earth’s oceans and unique natural resources.
“Having the opportunity to acknowledge, sponsor and award those involved with The Blue Project was one of the highlights of the year. On behalf of the professional beauty industry, we got involved and sponsored this fabulous campaign to help all life forms on our planet, from plants to animals, to survive for future generations. It was truly an honor to do this on behalf of t he professional beauty industry,” said DeJoria.
Actress/singer Nia Peeples and writer/surfing guru Sam George hosted the “No Leash Required” gala, which featured tastings of Malibu Wines, gourmet eats, a live auction and raffle, as well as live performances by Brett Dennen, Everest and KCRW DJ Mario Cotto. All proceeds were donated to SurfAid International, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health, wellbeing and self-reliance of people living in isolated island regions of Sumatra.
SurfAid International founder, New Zealand-born physician David Jenkins, attended the event. "I am so gratified that SurfAid’s mission continues to resonate for people around the world," Jenkins said, "especially those who value the oceans. Southern California is one of the great surfing regions, and I always love coming back. So this will be a great way to celebrate 10 years of SurfAid."
Contact: Jenny Overdevest
John Paul Mitchell Systems
9701 Wilshire Blvd, Ste. 1205
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Tel. 310.248.3888
Jennyo@jpms.com