The Surfing for Life Foundation is thrilled to announce that Tom Brown, founder of the Santa Barbara based non-profit, will be honored at the 3rd annual Surfing for Hope two day fund raising extravaganza Oct. 3-4.  Both charities share similar philosophies and work towards the same goal.  The evening will honor Tom for his determination and dedication in the fight against cancer.  “It takes everyone joining together to battle this disease and by working together to raise awareness and promote prevention, I’m confident we truly can make a difference”, comments Brown.  Tom has been an integral part of Surfing for Hope’s event since its inception in 2012. Committee Chair Bob Voglinexplains how Tom’s own mission with the Surfing for Life Foundation is to raise awareness about cancer treatments, resources, and ways of being proactive in the fight against cancer.  He continues to inspire surfers everywhere.  Friday evening’s event will celebrate all Tom has done for the surfing community.  “I’m deeply moved and honored by this recognition, and am extremely proud to be a part of this fine organization”, enthused Brown.

The 3rd annual Surfing for Hope Benefit/Longboard Contest, in conjunction with the Hearst Cancer Resource Center and French Hospital, kicks off October 3-4.  Central Coast surfers and the community of Pismo Beach will join together to host the 2 day event to help raise awareness about cancer and to support the needs of local cancer patients.  Since 2012, the event has raised more than $100,000.

Festivities begin Friday evening with an opening ceremony and paddle out at Avila Beach to honor, celebrate and remember those who have lost their battle with cancer and those who continue the fight.  Opening ceremonies continue with a benefit reception and luau theme dinner and entertainment at the Avila Beach Golf Resort.  The evening will include incredible food catered by local chef Maegan Loring, great local wines, surfboard raffle, and a silent auction with surf-themed items donated by local surf shops from the area.

On Saturday October 4th, a longboard surf contest will be held at Pismo Beach Pier accompanied by a Family Fun Fair.  The fair will include activities for the entire family, live music, food vendors, and more.  Special vendors will include businesses and organizations which support, educate and help people who are going through the cancer experience.  The event is designed to help inspire people challenged by cancer through the positive energy of surfing.  You may register for the contest online or onsite the morning of the event.  Registration will be available beginning at 6:00 a.m. on the Pismo Beach Pier.  The contest will begin at 7:00 AM.  Beach entries will be accepted until 6:30 AM. on contest day.

The Surfing for Hope non-profit event is the brainchild of Bob Voglin, a longtime local central coast surfer.  Originally diagnosed and treated for throat cancer at French Hospital, he is happy to report today he is a ten year survivor.  As a way of giving back to his community, he organized the first Surfing for Hope event in 2012 to help combine the “aloha spirit” of surfing with the local medical community.  “Surfing is the ideal format to help people in this situation by showing how positive and healthful our sport truly is”,states Voglin.  “This is a great opportunity for both the surfing world and the medical world to join together to support people who are challenged with this disease”.  All proceeds to benefit the Hearst Cancer Resource Center (HCRC) and the Angel of Hope Fund at French Hospital Medical Center.

For more information visit their website.

Contact

Bob Voglin 805-305-5088 or French Hospital 805-542-6496

Image courtesy Surfing for Life Foundation