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When a member of the East Coast surfing family runs
into an obstacle in life — financial hardship, injuries, medical issues
— it’s staggering to see the response from his or her local community.
Fundraisers, silent auctions, and benefits become the norm; substantial
donations come from unlikely sources; and a general feeling of togetherness
often transforms an otherwise disjointed area.
In the case of Long Island, NY, surfer Gregg
Goldberg, who was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer at the far too
young age of 27, all of the above applied. First, Montauk natives and friends
like Vanessa Bieler, Alice Housenecht, Heather Hewitt, Rachel Goldberg, and
Roger Feit joined forces to organize a December 19th fundraiser at The Old
Harbor House, with the Bastards Of Boom providing music and numerous donated
items raising money for the Goldberg family. Even though a blizzard descended
on the East End that very night, between 300-500 people paid the $20 entry fee
to mingle with friends and enjoy refreshments while helping Gregg garner the
financial support needed to fight his battle with cancer. “The place was
packed,” Housenecht told The East Hampton Press. “It was the Montauk spirit
working.” Local luminary and Housenecht’s brother George Watson presided
over the silent auctions and raffles that raised thousands of dollars, all of
which went directly to the Goldberg family. ESM Photographer James Katsipis was also on hand to document the party, as well
as set up his Little Blue Chair Project, a miniature photo and video studio
that allowed attendees to put a human face on the money given to support Gregg.
Next, Katsipis, Volcom Web Designer Will Graham, and
a host of other well-connected Montaukers got on the Internet horn and
publicized Gregg’s plight to every media outlet willing to listen. But instead
of only the local Montauk community being able to help, Graham set up an
easy-to-use Give Forward link, allowing anyone anywhere in the world to pledge
as much or as little support as they can. Check it out now at www.giveforward.org/gregg, even if you can only donate a few dollars. As of
January 6th, over $7100 had been raised — 14% of the $50,000 goal set to assist
Gregg with surgery, further treatment plans, recovery, and healing.
All of us at ESM wish Gregg a speedy recovery, and can’t wait for the day when he can hit
the Montauk lineup again. In the meantime, we can rest a little easier knowing
that a struggling member of our East Coast tribe is receiving more help than he
ever thought possible. Visit www.giveforward.org/gregg, give whatever you can, and take pride in calling
yourself a member of the Right Coast community.
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