This summer ReSurf, a global non-profit that seeks to positively change the lives of underprivileged children through the power of surf, will host a celebration and fundraiser 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 16 at Bird’s Surf Shed, 1091 W Morena Blvd., to increase awareness and raise funds for their ongoing work. Hosted by professional surfers Greg Long and Sunny Garcia, the event will feature live street art from artists Kim Kirch and Melinda Guerrero, and will showcase how the organization uses art, technology and surfing to reach kids in communities within close proximity to the ocean that are unable to surf due to a lack of resources. Fresh tacos from local food truck Simply Fresh, hand-crafted margaritas from Peligroso Tequila and cold pressed Suja Juice will accompany the world premiere of a short film about ReSurf and the launch of their recent project in Rosarito, Mexico, produced by Pierce Kavanagh, co-founder of the San Diego Surf Film Festival.
Founded by lifelong surfer and Rockaway Beach, N.Y.-native Oran Bendelstein in 2013, ReSurf is a three-year program based on a syllabus taught by local leaders involved in the surf world that are enlisted by the organization to act as mentors. Adolescents are given lessons and workshops on the sea (oceanography, riptides and paddling), technology (computer skills, video production and editing), as well as board refurbishment and repair and – of course – riding waves.
Kids start out in the water on a surfboard and transition into the “ReSurf Shack,” where they learn the lasting value of self-confidence, the importance of giving back, and the benefits of working in collaboration toward a shared purpose. ReSurf currently maintains programs in Israel, Rosarito, Mexico, Long Beach, N.Y. and will launch in Jamaica, Hawaii and San Diego in 2016.
“We’re eager to show San Diego how ReSurf pays it forward to the various communities we work with across the globe. Kids are the future and it’s our mission to give them a sense of belonging and worth however we can.” said Bendelstein.
Held under arched ceilings covered by an expansive collection of awe-inspiring boards, the evening will tell the ReSurf story via various engaging elements. Live street art will underscore the organization’s deep ties to the art world, with a large scale mural on display and acrylics made available to encourage artistic collaboration from attendees. To top off the evening, there will be a raffle and silent auction featuring select items curated to reflect the various facets of the ReSurf program related to art, surfing and technology.
Admission is a suggested donation of $20. All proceeds will benefit the ReSurf Foundation. For more information, visit www.resurf.com.