MNN - Mother Nature Network

Jason Mraz has been honored by the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) with its 2010 Humanitarian of the Year award. The "I'm Yours" singer, who has appeared on MNN before to talk about his many environmental passions, received the recognition during the organization's Liquid Nation Ball 7 in La Jolla, Calif.

 

“As a fellow surfer who calls the beaches of San Diego home, Jason is one of our own,” said Fernando Aguerre, SIMA Humanitarian Fund president and Liquid Nation Ball chairman and co-founder. “He not only inspires us and millions of young people around the world with his amazing musical talent, but we are all immensely impressed by his humble and eager heart to help others and make this world a better place.”

 

Mraz, who gave an impromptu performance during the ceremony, later auctioned off the same guitar he used to help raise funds for SIMA. Overall, more than $200,000 was collected.

 

“I stumbled here from Virginia with nothing, just a backpack and whatever, and was given so much love and so much family,” explained Mraz as he addressed the crowd after receiving his 2010 SIMA award. “As soon as I had an opportunity, I wanted to give that to the next person and create love and family for someone else. I am really touched that I get to be a part of this community.”

 

Next up for the 33-year-old musician's philanthropic endeavors: Farm Aid on Oct. 2. It has recently been announced that he will join other performers like Norah Jones and Kenny Chesney in supporting the nation's longest-running benefit concert.

 

For more on Mraz, check out his regularly updated blog here.