La Jolla, Calif. (June 30, 2011) - The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association's (SIMA) Humanitarian Fund is proud to announce Shaney jo Darden, Co-Founder & CEO of The Keep A Breast Foundation, as the 2011 Humanitarian of the Year. Shaney jo will be honored at Liquid Nation Ball 8, the official fundraiser for the SIMA Humanitarian Fund, on Saturday, September 17, 2011, in La Jolla, Calif.

"The SIMA Humanitarian Fund is honored to recognize Shaney jo as the 2011 SIMA Humanitarian of the Year," said Fernando Aguerre, SIMA Humanitarian Fund President and Liquid Nation Ball Chairman and Co-Founder. "As a woman that has had such a positive impact on the health and awareness of hundreds of thousands in the action sports industry, her work and passion is inspiring. We look forward to honoring her as the fourth-ever SIMA Humanitarian of the Year at this year's Liquid Nation Ball."

Mixing her passion for the action sports industry, fashion design, fine art, and philanthropy, Shaney jo was naturally led to co-found The Keep A Breast Foundation (KAB), a non-profit charity organization that raises funds and support for breast cancer awareness. Taking plaster molds of women's (and men's) torsos, these casts are a trademark of the organization and are given to fine artists to paint, are shown in art exhibitions and then auctioned off with all proceeds going to KAB and other breast cancer awareness organizations.  KAB is a unique foundation. With programs such as a Traveling Educational Booth hitting the road an average of 250 days a year to display at events such as The Roxy Jam, The Vans Warped Tour, and South by Southwest, Shaney jo can educate people face-to-face about breast cancerawareness.

As proof of her selfless attitude and conviction for the cause, Shaney jo has been honored with the Yoplait Champion Award as well as by the Alternative Press as one of the 25 most influential people in the music industry. Traveling the globe to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer, Shaney jo's dedicated efforts have led the charge in coining the famous, conversation-provoking phrase: "I love Boobies!" Shaney jo has exceled at her goal to bring a fresh approach to fundraising for breast cancer that is relevant and inspiring to today's youth.

Liquid Nation Ball 8 will be held on September 17, 2011, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the oceanfront home of Fernando Aguerre in La Jolla, where one of the best private surfboard collections in the world is on display. The event includes dancing, live music, great food, open bar, and a short live auction of unique, one-of-a-kind items to benefit 13 surf-related humanitarian organizations.  The SIMA Humanitarian Fund Board of Directors aims to continue the record fundraising legacy of the event and raise a net amount of $200,000 at Liquid Nation Ball 8.

Tickets are now on sale and are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $300 per person.  Only 350 tickets will be sold. To purchase tickets or to make a donation, please go to www.liquid-nation.com.  

 "Now in its eighth year, Liquid Nation Ball is a constantly evolving event that is consistently raising more and more support and funds for the amazing beneficiaries with each year," said Aguerre. "This year's Liquid Nation Ball will be even better as the industry's ASR trade show will not be taking place during the same weekend as the Ball. With the opportunity to make the entire weekend a fun and relaxing one, I encourage all attendees to take advantage of the time and make a weekend out of it bystaying in La Jolla. Guests will enjoy the beautiful beaches, exquisite hotels, one-of-a-kind shopping, fine dining and of course the legendary surf that hits La Jolla during the month of September."

PLACES TO STAY: Ideally situated in the beachfront village of La Jolla, the Grand Colonial Hotel will be featuring special room rates for Liquid Nation Ball guests. Enjoy the party at the Ball while raising support for 13 worthy organizations and also spend the rest of your weekend amongst the gorgeous scenery of one of the country's most affluent communities. Another alternative is to stay at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, in La Jolla Shores. The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club will also be offering Liquid Nation Ball guestsdiscounted room rates. A country club by the ocean with hotel facilities that includes a par-three nine hole golf course, 12 tennis courts, heated swimming pool and rooms on the sand, the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club is a great destination for guests thinking about a family weekend getaway. Additionally, La Costa Limousine in San Diego County is offering a discounted car service for Liquid Nation Ball guests.

TRANSPORTATION FROM ORANGE COUNTY: For those traveling from Orange County, Beach Harbor Limousine is offering an exclusive Liquid Nation Ball discount for guests. There will also be two comfortable shuttle services taking guests to and from Liquid Nation Ball leaving from the Surfing Heritage Foundation in San Clemente and Hurley International in Costa Mesa. The shuttles will leaving promptly at 5:00 p.m. and will be departing La Jolla at 12:00 a.m. For more information on Liquid Nation Ball hotel rates, car service discounts and the shuttle from Orange County, please visit www.liquid-nation.com. 

For more information about the event, contact Kelly at kelly@sima.com or by telephone at 949.366.1164 extension 3.