The Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund is a local grass roots organization that provides comprehensive, compassionate and personalized assistance to local pediatric cancer patients and their families. Since 1992, Brendan’s Fund has helped area families through the crisis of their child’s illness.
From July 29 through August 2, Brendan’s Fund hosts a week of fundraising events. The week of events begins on Tuesday, July 29 at the Avalon Yacht Club with the Artists and Friends Art Show. Local artists generously contribute 50% of the proceeds from the sale of their artwork. Art work is represented in many forms – paintings in styles that vary from surf art to traditional realism to contemporary abstract expressionism, photography, sculpture and hand-made jewelry.
Leading up to the Surf Memorial on August 2, there are a variety of ways to support the cause. Wednesday, July 30, Toppings of Avalon, located at 2166 Dune Drive, will host Froyo all day and a Karaoke Event at 7 p.m. The Fishin’ Pier Grille, 32nd and the boardwalk, serves up delicious pancakes on Thursday, July 31 from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Come make your own Spin Art T-Shirt, on Friday, August 1, at Beacon Art Short Wave Gallery located at 9412 Second Avenue in Stone Harbor. The Jacketti Family fires up the washer around 11 a.m. Also on August 1, Sylvester’s Fish Market Restaurant, located at 21st at 5th Avenue in Avalon, hosts Crab Cake Day. A portion of the proceeds from these events will benefit Brendan’s Fund.
The week of fundraising culminates with the eagerly anticipated 24th Annual Brendan Borek Surf Memorial on August 2 on the 30th Street Beach in Avalon. Bands will perform on the Pavillion. Food sales and the much sought after Brendan Borek gear will be available on the beach.
The day contains a joyful, reverence for its purpose. Our noon memorial is a beautiful and moving tribute to our children and friends of the Fund who have passed. A number of surfers enter the water and paddle out beyond the breakers to form a Circle of Friends and recall all who are gone as they scatter rose petals on the water. It is a celebration of life!
After the ceremony, in conjunction with the Travis Manion Foundation and Operation Amped, a “Heroes Heat” will be held. Wounded vets from around the country will surf and you will be inspired! Come and join the fun even if you don’t surf.
For more information, visit our website at www.brendansfund.org.