JettyGirl: A one million
dollar check arrives in your mailbox with a
note that reads, "Half of this amount is
yours and the other half is to benefit the world
around you." How would you spend the money?
Donna von Hoesslin:
I would give a chunk of it to East Bali Poverty
Project to support the amazing work they are
doing bringing some forgotten villages back
from certain extinction and giving them hope
for a future with sustainability. I'd also give
some to several of the various organizations
I sponsor with my company, Betty Belts.
The
bulk of the other half would be wisely invested
in something ethical and sustainable to provide
for our retirement. And I'd invest some in my
business; hiring talented people, investing
in my artisans in Bali and Team Betty. It always
needs to be win-win.
JG: Describe the best surfboard
you've ever ridden and why it was special to
you.
Donna: Probably
my 8'0" mini longboard Dennis Ryder shaped
for me. It rides very loose and fast, makes
for memorable waves. I am for the most part,
a longboarder, but this board makes the face
more lively.
JG: If you could travel
back to any time in history and hang with one
person while they go about their daily activities,
who would it be and why?
Donna: Jesus, if
there can be only one. If I could add a few
candidates, I really would like also have a
chance to hang out with Albert Einstein, Ella
Fitzgerald and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
JG: For thirty days you're
stuck on a desert island with one book, one
song, one surf movie and one snack food. Which
ones would you choose?
Donna: The Bible.
One foot on Sand by Justin Young ...always
beautiful. Surf movie—the one David Pu'u
is working on. Chocolate.
JG: What is your best surf-related
memory of 2009?
Donna: Watching
my otherwise pretty gentle "homebreak"
C-Street wake up with these last four swells
that have rolled into California at the end
of the year. We've been so blessed. I've had
more amazing waves than ever before. It's really
sweet when it comes to life and gives you some
long walls to carve up instead of nothing but
a soft shoulder.
