"Best $2k I Ever Spent!" Saving The Beach, One Party At A Time

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The downside of the new Venice Beach is perhaps the lack of a certain gritty authenticity that Dogtown was once known for. You can only see so many $1200 baby strollers cruising by gelato shops on Abbot-Kinney before you realize that Venice has pretty safely taken the leap from actual funky place to place that's famous for being funky. But that's ok- Famous Funkiness carries with it a whole different set of benefits, like totally bitchin' ocean conservation fundraisers with New Belgium-sponsored open bars. Take that, authenticity!

All of the beer, music and fun went down smoothly on Friday, January 28 at Aviator Nation on Abbot-Kinney Blvd. The event was to benefit The Surfrider Foundation, a national organization dedicated to the "protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches for all people." Based on the turnout, the oceans, waves and beaches are going to be just fine. And more fundraisers means more work for guitar players who look like John Mayer:

Also not in short supply: pretty girls and guys wearing hats.

And that's how you fundraise, people.