Drew Richardson's Fundraiser:

Many years ago, like you, I fell in love with diving and it remains a passion for me to this day. I understand the power of teaching people to dive and have personally seen fear changed to courage as scuba diving transforms people across the planet. In my life’s journey as a diver, I have been amazed by the remarkable effects of scuba diving as both a psychological and physical therapy for people with disabilities, post-traumatic stress disorder, (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) this is a particularly profound, powerful and beneficial effect gained when our wounded warrior veterans are provided with an opportunity to engage.

Some time ago I met the incredible people at the W.A.V.E.S. Project (Wounded American Veterans Experience SCUBA). The WAVES Project is a small 501(c)(3) Non-Profit organization established in Southern California to provide an opportunity for our American veterans who have service related injuries, from physical injuries to PTSD, and also their families to experience the freedom of SCUBA Diving. It is a passionate group of people who have big hearts and volunteer their time to help wounded veterans and their family’s experience the joy of scuba diving. The WAVES Project’s programs are focused on continued support, services, rehabilitation and diving companionship for a lifetime. The nonprofit teaches and trains veterans to become scuba divers, giving them new found freedom, confidence and a chance to dive below the surface to discover a life-altering experience. I am impressed with the efficiency of the WAVES organization in keeping administrative costs down to a minimum in order to provide direct benefits to more people in need and fulfilling their mission.  Click here to see the WAVES Project in action: ABC 7 Los Angeles

The PADI organization supports the WAVES Project’s Mission and work and I personally believe that grassroots programs like this are a critical ingredient to help us all pay it forward in life. The WAVES Project needs your help too. This special fundraiser is trying to raise $30,000 for the organization and hope that you will find it in your heart to make a contribution to this campaign. Through your support and donation, the WAVES Project will be enabled to provide the diving experience at no cost to veterans in need, their dive buddy and family. Will you help?

Thank you so much for your kind consideration of support and safe diving to you.

Warm regards,

Drew Richardson, Ed.D

President and CEO PADI Worldwide