By Quinn Kropschot
Staff Writer
A local surfer with a legacy to follow, Jimmy Miller had a genuine love for the ocean. After many years of suffering from mental illness Miller died. In his memory his family and friends started the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation.
“The main thing we try to teach is self-efficacy which is the belief in your ability to accomplish something,” representative, Jeff Miller said.
The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides free surf and ocean programs for military soldiers suffering from post traumatic stress disorder as well as high risk children coming from underprivileged homes. The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation’s main program is “Ocean Therapy”, a healing program designed to help soldiers and children learn to rehabilitate and recover with the calming beauty of the surf.
“If you can accomplish learning how to surf and learning to trust someone to help you learn and help you express your emotions then you can take that learning and apply it to other parts of your life such as school, relationships, work and overcoming other obstacles in your life,” Miller said.
Ocean Therapy was an idea formed by USC graduate Carly Rogers, who believes that the ocean has the power to heal. Ocean Therapy for at risk children is a day at the beach where children get to learn how to surf and are given talks on the importance of high self esteem.
“Ocean Therapy is a great cause, and I spent many hours at the beach this summer working with the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation and the children who attended it,” co-president Cecelia Allen said.
In order to respect and honor the legacy of Mira Costa alumni Jimmy Miller, sophomores Cecelia Allen, Sage Roebuck, and Nina Wasden started a Jimmy Miller club at Costa. Their goal is to spread awareness for his cause and his genuine love for life.
“The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation is a great organization, the foundation believes in helping children and soldiers overcome their struggles and heal through a day in the ocean,” Allen said.
The main goal of Mira Costa’s Jimmy Miller club is to raise knowledge about the foundation, and to raise money for the cause. The club participates in fundraisers and other events that the foundation sponsors. On October 14, volunteers from the club worked at the Jimmy Miller Surf Fiesta.
“The Surf Fiesta was an surf competition for all ages and skill levels,” co-president Nina Wasden said. “The participants gathered into teams and surfed to earn points, there was a great turnout and the effect was extremely powerful.”
Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation has many opportunities for people to volunteer. The foundation depends on the support of countless physical therapists, surf instructors, sponsors, and dedicated volunteers. The Jimmy Miller Club meets every Wednesday at lunch. The club currently has about 40 members, and is still growing.
“Jimmy’s legacy is that he was a true waterman who loved surfing and all that surfing brings with it- friends, travel, adventure, stories, good days, bad days and more,” Miller said.
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