Community Involvement
Tsunami has always been more than just a swim team; it is a thriving community of caring, supportive individuals that are active in the community. Since 1998, Tsunami swimmers have raised more than $56,000 for organizations combating hate and violence, supporting people living with AIDS/HIV, and fighting breast cancer. Among the organizations the team has supported are Shanti, The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Center, Breast Cancer Emergency Fund, Project Open Hand, Bay Area Young Positives, UCSF AIDS Health Project, and Positive Resource.
At the 2005 Pacific Masters Swimming Championships, Tsunami was recognized for its efforts following the devastating Southeast Asia tsunami in December 2004. There was an audible gasp by the crowd when it was announced that Tsunami had raised more than $20,000 for disaster relief efforts through a city-wide swim-a-thon. The recognition underscored our dual commitment to excellence in the pool and service to our community.
Tsunami actively participates in local community events to promote inclusive membership and supports SF Pride and small businesses. Follow us on Instagram for updates. Come be part of the fun.
Interested in Donating to Tsunami?
Interested in donating to SF Tsunami? Use Benevity to match your donation.
Your support—and your employer’s matching gift—play a vital role in funding scholarships for qualified SF Tsunami team members, whether it’s helping with monthly dues or covering costs for events like the IGLA championship.
If your company uses Benevity, you can easily connect your donation and unlock a matching gift to maximize your impact. Log in to Benevity today and search for “SF Tsunami” to get started.
Rick Meier-Winds Award
Tsunami established the Rick Meier-Winds Award in memory of Rick Meier-Windes, who passed away in March 2004. The award honors the highest scoring male and female distance swimmers at the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics (IGLA) championships each year.
Read more about the Rick Meier-Winds award, a tribute to Rick and past recipients of the award: here.
A memorial fund has been established to finance the award. If you wish to contribute, please make checks payable to: “San Francisco Tsunami Swim Club”, and mail to San Francisco Tsunami, 584 Castro Street #145, San Francisco, California 94114. In the memo section, please indicate: “RMW Award Fund.”