What person has helped New Jersey and the Jersey Shore's image the most?
The Boss often painted New Jersey as a "rust belt junk heap" on many albums. Sinatra usually claimed New York City as his hometown. And Bon Jovi has many thinking we still wearacid wash jeans. Maybe Chris Christie? Meh, maybe not.
For me, the person who has helped the Jersey Shore's image the greatest is Dean Randazzo, one of the world's premiere surfers for over two decades now. Dean helped break a psychological barrier for many NJ surfers and through his travels, taught others that New Jersey does indeed have a beach, an ocean and waves.
Randazzo's accomplishments are more impressive considering he is a cancer survivor and comes back to New Jersey often to support his charity, the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation which assists individuals battling cancer while helping raise money for research and awareness. The charity is having two upcoming events down the shore. Mark them on your calendar:
On Thursday August 18 at 7:05pm it's Surf Night at the Lake BlueClaws game. It's also Thirsty Thursday. Dean will be there and Dark Fall the Movie will be screened. General Admission tickets are $8. To get in on the screening, contact Pete Walsifer 732-901-7000 ext. 171. If you want to see a movie, that will overwhelm you with Jersey pride, 'Dark Fall' is it. First Energy Park, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood, NJ 08701
On Saturday, September 10 at 8am - ?? Surf for a Cause and Beachfest at the Benson Ave. Beach in Margate City with post party at Ventura's Greenhouse 106 S. Benson Ave, Margate City, NJ 08402. It will feature an amateur and professional surf contest, a co-ed beach volleyball tournament and a 5K Beach Run. Here is promo video for the day, featuring music by New Jersey band, Echo Movement:
Feel free to follow this guy's youtube channel too. . .
The band featured in that video, Echo Movement, is on tour right now and will be returning to Jersey in late August. They have a gig in Avalon on Saturday August 20th for another surfing charity, the Brendan Borek Fund.
If you think about these events, the Shore ends up being an attractive place to hold charitable gatherings in the summertime. When you can combine pleasure and a great setting with some competition and activism, it seems to be a win for everyone involved. Just look at how many NJ races are in the four beach counties this time of year.
Are there any Jersey Shore related charities you would like to give a shout out to? Plug away in the comments section.
And be sure to check out the DRCF's events page (they have some in winter too).
Additionally, be sure to download Echo Movement's "Daydreamer" from their album In the Ocean. They are also releasing a new album next month, so plug in and stay tuned . . .
Steve Chernoski - Official Website
New Jersey: The Movie - Official Website
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