AVALON — The Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund will mark the 20th anniversary of the Brendan Borek Surf Memorial later this month.
The original contest was held to give emotional and financial support to Brendan Borek on his 18th birthday as the Avalon teen was losing his valiant battle to Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare pediatric bone cancer.
Borek loved to surf. He spent many hours on the beach with friends waiting for the incoming high tides — which brought about the best surfing conditions. Thus it was natural for his friends to wish him “high tides” during his struggle with cancer.
In keeping with that shared feeling of community good will, Brendan’s Fund strives to provide “High Tides” conditions for local Cape May County families who have a child or young adult with cancer.
Brendan’s Fund is a not-for-profit grassroots organization whose efforts are directed towards providing comprehensive, compassionate and personalized assistance to these special children and their families.
Services range from professional counseling and advocacy programs to financial and material assistance.
The Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund (Brendan’s Fund) is an organization founded by his family and friends after his 1991 death. Since 1992, the organization has continued its mission of emotional and financial support for local children suffering the effects of pediatric cancer.
Due to the increasing support of the community, “the Brendan” as many refer to the event, has become a weeklong series of events that culminate with the annual surf contest. This year’s week of community events takes place from Mon.-Sat., Aug. 16-21.
Young Borek had a love for art. That affinity became a catalyst for The Artists and Friends Art Show at the Avalon Yacht Club, Tue., Aug. 17. That show, now in its 10th year, has become a popular event.
Artists are invited to apply for inclusion in that juried show.
Brendan’s artwork will be displayed this summer by a collage of his artwork on a tee shirt celebrating the 20th Surf Memorial.
Tee shirts are on sale at Brendan’s Store, 2170 Dune Drive and will be on sale on the beach in August.
The Friday evening “movie night” will feature the following film, which is on a national tour along with the Brendan Borek Documentary.
180°
South
Conquerors of the Useless
The Brendan Borek Surf Memorial is one of the largest amateur surf contests in the region. This year the event will take place on Sat., Aug. 21.
It has gone full circle and still includes many of the original participants, numerous new surfers and four women’s divisions.
Registration for the surf contest is open. All surfers are invited to participate. Online registration can be found at: www.brendansfund.org.
The beach concert begins at 11a.m. and continues until 3:30 p.m.
Music for that concert, under the direction of Davis Concert Staging (DCS), will be provided by:
R3 Band, The Silence, Three Legged Fox, Fiction 20 Down, and Don McCloskey.
Highlight of the day, the Circle of Friends Memorial, takes place at noon on Aug. 21.
That is the time when participants and spectators are invited to remember loved ones and friends and the true meaning of the day.
The day culminates with “The Homecoming Party” from 6-9 p.m. at Avalon Community Hall.
List of events, including several that local merchants are hosting:
Mon., Aug. 16: All Day
Crab Cake Day at Sylvester’s Fish Market and Restaurant (21st Street and Fifth Avenue), serving crab cakes 11 a.m. to closing.
Net proceeds are donated to Brendan’s Fund
Tues., Aug. 17
Artist and Friends Art Show at Avalon Yacht Club (Seventh Street and the bay).
Tickets are $15, $5 for children 10 and under (6-9 p.m.)
Artists and Brendan’s Fund enjoy a 50-50 split on sales
Cash bar and buttered hors d’oeuvres.
Wed., Aug.18: All day
Pizza at Circle Pizza (2108 Dune Drive) Net proceeds from pizza sales go to Brendan’s Fund.
Thurs., Aug. 19
Pancakes at Fishin’ Pier Grille (32nd Street and the Boardwalk)
Movie Night at Community Hall, 7-9 p.m. (Tickets are $5, free for children 6 and under)
Feature Film: The Revised Brendan Borek Documentary, 180°, South, Conquerors of the Useless.
Shop “Nine” from 6-10 p.m., Avalon Yacht Club, portion of proceeds benefit Brendan’s Fund
Fri., Aug. 20
Method Skate Jam for Brendan’s Fund hosted by Avalon Recreation Department. Free entry skate contest at Avalon Skate Park begins 10:30 a.m. (29th Street and Boardwalk). Lots of giveaways.
Sat., Aug. 21: All events at 30th Street and the Beach
20th Annual Surf Contest : 6 a.m.-4 p.m. (Online pre-registration required)
Noon: Circle of Friends ceremony in the surf off 30th Street.
20th Annual Homecoming Party @ Community Hall: 6-9 p.m.
$15 admission and food (Children 6 and under are free). Cash Bar
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