Surfers Wanted To Help Contest WIth a Cause

From OC Register:

Each year, young surfer Catherine Vasquez pulls together a surf contest at the Huntington Pier that benefits people suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease – otherwise known as ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) – a disease that takes a person’s motor functions away, leaving them paralyzed and virtually trapped in their own bodies.

On the sand, you’ll find people touched by this disease, loved-ones and friends who have supported those impacted by the devastating symptoms.

About 200 surfers usually participate – some who have never been in a contest before – to support the event, called SALSA (Surfers Against Lou Gehrig’s Disease Surfing Alliance). While most contests are aimed at proving whose the best surfer, this one has a different purpose.

“It’s going toward a good cause, and it’s really fun,” Vasquez said. “Plus, it’s one of the best spots ever, and you only have to surf it with five other people.”

This young surfer, Catherine Vasquez, puts on the event all on her own... but needs your help!

The event aims at raising awareness and money for the disease, and each year for two years they have raised $10,000 f or the ALS Orange County chapter.

This year – with everyone tight on their pocketbooks – Vasquez is finding difficulty raising funds, and is calling on surfers to help out by entering the contest, to be held March 5. There will be goods like donated Body Glove wetsuit for the winner of each division, and a surfboard from Huntington Beach shaper Richard Payne up for grabs in the raffle. Also, Gallagher’s Pub on Main Street is doing a fundraiser with the band Amp Monkeys performing after the contest, with half of the proceeds going to the cause. Tickets are $5 at the door.

“It means a lot. People come up and tell their stories,” she said. “That what keeps me going.”

There are heats for various types of surfers, and entry cost is a donation of $40. For more info go to:  salsasurfing.org