About Us
OUR STORY
The Surfgimp Foundation began with the adventurous spirit and unwavering determination of James Jay Liesener, a Milton, Delaware resident who refused to let his physical limitations define him. At 17, Jay suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury that left him a quadriplegic, but his zest for life and love for adventure never wavered. In 2007, Jay set out to fulfill his dream of surfing again, rallying a small group of friends to help him get back into the ocean. What started as a handful of volunteers soon grew into a close-knit family known as Team Surfgimp.
Over the next 15 years, Team Surfgimp helped Jay surf not only along the shores of Delaware and Maryland but also in far-flung locations like Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and California. They weren’t just a team—they were a joyful community of family, friends, and supporters who brought energy, laughter, and life to every beach they visited. Together, they made waves—both literally and figuratively—proving that no dream was too big.
In the fall of 2017, as Jay’s health declined, he made one final wish: to ensure his legacy of helping others with disabilities pursue their own dreams would live on. Just a week before his passing, Jay and Team Surfgimp established the Surfgimp Foundation with a mission to empower individuals with disabilities to live active and adventurous lives.
From humble beginnings, the Surfgimp Foundation has grown exponentially, providing grants to support limitless adventures. Jay’s vision continues to inspire, helping others break barriers and chase their dreams—just as he did. His spirit, and the love and determination of Team Surfgimp, live on in every wave, every journey, and every life touched by the foundation.
WHY "SURFGIMP"?
As Jay liked to say, "I was having a little fun while making a political statement at the same time. The idea was to take a derogatory term about disability and use it to challenge people's assumptions."
THANK YOU!
Whether you contribute a monetary donation, volunteer your time, or spread our mission through word-of-mouth, we thank you. We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you.
Limitless Adventures
Donate
Your generous gift will help us fund our mission. Together, we can help those with disabilities experience their dreams.
Surfgimp Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. EIN: 82-3259873.
