Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation Surf For A Cause
Turns 10 Under Beautiful Skies By Nick Bricker; Photos by Mark
Buondonno
TURF: 10th
Annual Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation Surf For A Cause & Beach Fest; Lucy
The Elephant, Margate, NJ; September 11th, 2010.
ENERGY: The
waves this year were almost non-existent, topping out in only the ankle to knee-high
range. But unlike past years, the 10th anniversary of the DRCF Surf For A Cause
went off under beautiful, sunny skies on a spectacular fall Saturday.
FIRST TIME
AT FIGHT CLUB: Sisters Jessica and Casey Kwiecinski, who are being
coached by Dean Randazzo himself, came down to show support for their coach and
his Foundation, taking 2nd & 3rd-place, respectively, in the Women’s division.
SLIDE: It
was the first time in three years there wasn’t a hurricane, nor’easter, or tropical
storm sending waves to the Surf For A Cause — but the sun was a welcome
addition back. This year being the 10th anniversary, DRCF President and Event
Director Dan Cellucci wanted to make 2010’s Surf For A Cause bigger and
better, so he added a 5K beach run, a one-mile beach family fun run/walk, and a
co-ed volleyball tournament to the usual surf comp proceedings. Needless to say,
with all of those extra activities, the event was a huge success, bringing in a
different crowd that was stoked to see what the Foundation is all about.
The waves may not have been
great, but it was a picture-perfect day with record crowds and a vibe that went
above and beyond your usual positive charity event. We were prepared to run
single beach heats, but with the turnout being so great we had to go to dual
beaches, which is never a problem when you’re trying to raise money! It was really great to see the
whole community come together and show its support for such a great cause while
also paying homage to Dean Randazzo, New Jersey’s most decorated and
accomplished surfer ever. Dean has been in remission
for five years now, and the volunteers that really stepped up were a huge part
of this year’s Surf For A Cause success.
When the contest was over, everybody
moved right over to the afterparty, hosted by Ventura’s Greenhouse Deck less
than 100 feet from the beach. It was a packed house there, with great food,
music, raffles and of course free-flowing drinks. Best of all, there wasn’t a
spare seat in the house. After everything was said and done, the 10th
anniversary was the most successful Surf For A Cause ever, raising upwards of
$25,000. Not a bad day on the South Jersey beach!
THE PAIN: Ventnor local Justin Casey felt the pain — after placing 2nd overall in
the Absecon Island Surfing Championships last weekend, winning all of his heats
prior to the final, he showed up to the beach in Margate on a mission. Justin
was determined to take the top spot this weekend, winning all of his heats again
but coming up just short in the Masters final.
THE MAN: Local boy Jacques Beningo spends his winters in Puerto Rico polishing his
skills, and he showed up this year and dominated the event by taking first in
both Men’s and Masters. That made him the day’s only dual division winner, and after
emerging victorious in both, he decided to show the pros a little
mercy, sitting that heat out.
YOU DO NOT
TALK ABOUT FIGHT CLUB: “It was amazing seeing the community come together
in record numbers to show support for a local legend like Dean and what he’s
started to help others. Also, props to all the hard work everyone involved put
forth — especially President Dan Cellucci — for making this event
the biggest and best yet!” –Humble Fight Club author and DRCF Trustee Nick Bricker
“It was an incredible day
getting together with old friends and family, even if I did end up in 2nd-place.”
–Masters division runner-up and good sport Justin Casey
“I can’t believe all the hot
chicks that are here. My neck hurts from looking!” –Local playboy Spampy Roberts,
enjoying a sun-filled day at the South Jersey shore
“What a great day and event! The 10th Annual
Surf For A Cause was the biggest and best yet. I want to thank everyone for all
of their time, effort, and dedication to the Foundation and the cause. Without
all of you, this would not be possible!” –Garden State legend and the
reason for the season Dean Randazzo, shouting out to the record crowd
South Carolina’s Cam Richards Steals 12th Annual
Tommy Tant Memorial Classic Men’s Pro Title From Florida Vets; Cody Thompson, Amy Nicholl,
Noah Schweizer, And Dan Worley Also Win Big
VQS
HITS THE JACKPOT AT CASINO PIER Jellyfish Surf Series Winners Include Local Boys
Hammer, Schmidt, Vanaman, And Siganos, Along With Florida Girl Emily Ruppert
DUBIOUS RECORD The WRV
Outer Banks Pro Presented By Hurley Offers Locals Genuine Perspective & More
Money Per Square Foot Of Wave Than Any Surf Contest In History
Sweetwater Leaves It Up To The Grom At Oakley Surf Shop Challenge Mid-Atlantic Regional Qualifier; “Uncle” Andrew Gesler Drives Heritage Win Home In Northeast
By Matt Pruett and Nick McGregor;
Photos by Matt Lusk
