Surfers Ride Wave to Fight Cancer - KCOY Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo - News

Surfers Ride Wave to Fight Cancer

 San Luis Obispo, October 29, 2012– Local surfing legend and cancer survivor Bob Voglin, Drs. Thomas Spillane and Karen Allen, along with members of the local surfing community are pleased to announce Surfing for Hope, a two day event on November 9th and 10th, 2012, featuring a benefit dinner and longboard surfing contest in honor of cancer survivors. This event is designed to help inspire people challenged by cancer through the positive energy of surfing. Proceeds from the event will benefit the programs and services offered by the Hearst Cancer Resource Center located at French Hospital Medical Center, including the Angel of Hope Fund.

The event will begin on Friday, November 9th with a memorial paddle out at Avila Beach as a special tribute to Jodi Fisher, as well as to honor friends and loved ones who have lost their battle with cancer.

Following the paddle out, a luau themed benefit dinner featuring foods and wines of the Central Coast will take place at the breathtaking Avila Beach Golf Resort at 6:00 p.m. The evening will include live music by the Zongo All-Stars and an auction featuring surf-themed items such as luxury surf travel packages, Jack Johnson signed ukuleles, and more. Tickets to the dinner are $100 per person.

On Saturday, November 10th, a longboard Surf Contest and Health Fair will be held at the Pismo Beach pier from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Surfing Contest will be held on the south side of the pier with onsite registration beginning at 6 a.m. The contest includes divisions for all ages, cancer survivors, and doctors. Entry fees are $60-$80. Contestants and spectators will be treated to a special appearance by Goattee, the Surfing Goat with his kid Pismo, and musical performances by Mother Corn Shuckers and The Dentures. An awards dinner will follow the surf competition.

The Health Fair, held at the pier, will showcase local business and groups which provide cancer education and resources, as well as those that support and help people going through the cancer experience.

Proceeds from Surfing for Hope will support the Hearst Cancer Resource Center (HCRC) and the center's Angel of Hope Fund. The HCRC emphasizes a holistic approach to a patient's well being during their cancer care. The center's services are provided free of charge and include support programs, nurse navigator, nutritional coaching, holistic and alternative practices, spiritual and therapeutic social activities and much more. As a concerned advocate for cancer patients, the HCRC established the Angel of Hope Fund for the purpose of providing immediate financial assistance for basic medical needs of cancer patients in treatment and their families.

For additional information, to buy tickets for the Surfing for Hope Benefit Dinner or to sign up for the Surf Contest, please visit http://surfingforhope.com or call the French Hospital Medical Center Foundation at 805-542-6496.