 | What’s NEXT, Rolling Bussers? You bet! That is exactly what was NEXT if you were lucky enough to attend the Santa Cruz NEXTies Awards, where a pack of Santa Cruz Derby Girls volunteered to roll for a cause. Local community group, Santa Cruz NEXT seeks to inform, inspire and involve members and the community by promoting access to and development of economic, social and cultural opportunities for Santa Cruz’s next generation of residents.The Santa Cruz NEXTies Awards were held on January 23 to honor four members of the community who have made a huge difference in the lives of others. The old Wriggly Building on the West Side was transformed from empty warehouse to fabulously decked-out party space with inviting archways of modern-industrial design and an elegant stage with special lighting accents all around. The space was equipped with a full bar, seating for 100, plus standing and mingling space for 150 more NEXTers. When guests arrived, Santa Cruz NEXT board members, City Council Member Ryan Coonerty, as well as some very enthusiastic volunteers from the Santa Cruz NEXT member community, warmly greeted and handed each guest a glass of champagne to kick off the evening. Local restaurants, bakeries, and wineries got into the philanthropic spirit by donating and showcasing fabulous orderves, desert and wines. All of these culinary wonders were rolled out to the audience with grace and flare by four of our very own Santa Cruz Derby Girls. Pigeon, Dewey Decibel, Zayna Syllum and Fresh Meat Rachel rolled in and out of the food prep area with ease and style, bringing the hungry crowd platter after platter of bite-sized delectable appetizers. The girls were decked out in their most sophisticated derby attire; bow ties and hand-made aprons by Dewey herself added the coolest of touches. Feedback from the community about the Derby Girl presence at the NEXTies has been extremely positive, both from Santa Cruz NEXT and from other non-profit agencies that are expressing interest in having the Santa Cruz Derby Girls at their events too. It seems that everyone wants a derby girl! Astrid Avenger SCDG NEXTer |
Santa Cruz Derby Girls - THE Rollergirls of Santa Cruz
