Surfers Raise More Than $20,000 For Cancer Foundation

MARGATE CITY – With ideal surfing conditions on the water, the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation made a big impact for people with cancer Sept. 7. 
The 19th annual Surf For A Cause raised more than $20,000 at Decatur Avenue beach in Margate with funds still being counted. 
According to a release, more than 75 people participated in the surfing contest and the Surf It Forward fundraising campaign with hundreds more attending throughout the day.  
“It’s incredible to see the support from the surfing community after 19 years,” stated foundation president Mark Zappone of Linwood. “It was a great day on the beach and it was an honor to recognize past president and longtime board member Dan Cellucci for all his contributions to the DRCF over the years.” 
Eleven-year-old Brynn Gallagher was the star surfer of the day, taking home first prize in each and every women’s division.
The top fundraisers were Michelle Barbara and Cole Larson and each won a custom-shaped surfboard from Brian Wynn Surfboards, that will be built to their specifications.
The second-place fundraisers were James and Michael Carr and each was presented with a Hamboards skateboard designed to mimic a surfboard in its riding style. 
The third-place fundraisers, Colin and Cody Schwiem, each received a gift certificate to Heritage Surf and Sport in Margate. Carter Hanin received an honorable mention for his fundraising efforts. 
The Icla da Silva Foundation, a recruitment center for the Be The Match Registry registered people for the National Marrow Donor Program on Saturday.
The Danbees and Jo-Jo From the Jo-Jo and Scotty Morning Show on 100.7 WZXL provided entertainment for the after party, which was held at Ventura’s Greenhouse. 
Members of the South Jersey Boardriders Club served as judges for the surfing contest and held a stand alone, tag-team style competition with participants joining forces to represent local regions. 
The Absecon Island team took home the honors in this uniquely formatted surfing competition. 
Divisional winners for the 19th annual Surf For A Cause: 
Gromettes – Girls 12 years old and younger
3rd Marina Zappone
2nd Emily Logan
1st Brynn Gallagher
Junior Men – 15 -17 years old 
3rd- Mitchell Zappone
2nd – Andrew Middlesworth
1st – William Bumbernick
Legends Men – 45 years and older
3rd – Frank Messina
2nd – Steve Swift
1st – Chad Gallagher
Master’s Men – 25-34 years old
3rd – Michael Cameron
2nd – Matthew Andra
1st – Kris Shinn
Girls – 13-15 years old
3rd- Mia Gallagher
2nd – Siena McDermott
1st – Brynn Gallagher
Men -18-24 years old
3rd – Nicholas Giunta
2nd – William Bumbernick
1st- Nick Ceccoli
Groms – 11 years old and younger 
3rd – Kegan Cameron
2nd – Keenan Cameron
1st – Keller Tannehill
Open Stand-Up Paddleboard
1st-Abby Maglietta
Womens – 18 years and older
3rd – Mia Gallagher
2nd- Lindsay Tate
1st – Brynn Gallagher 
Boys – 12-14 years old
3rd- Cody Schweim
2nd – Colin Schweim
1st – Kaden Cameron
Longboard
3rd – John DePersenaire
2nd – Sean Duffey
1st – Matthew Zappone
South Jersey Board Riders Team Competition
3rd- Wildwood
2nd – Ocean City
1st – Absecon Island
The Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation promotes cancer awareness and assists individuals battling cancer both emotionally and financially.
To date, the foundation has raised more than $850,000 and donates 90 percent of its funds to individuals and organizations including the Ruth Newman Shapiro Cancer Fund, Shore Medical Center Cancer Center, Gilda’s Club of South Jersey and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of South Jersey Cape Regional Cancer Center and AtlantiCare Cancer Center.
The foundation was created in 2001 when Dean Randazzo, a professional surfer from Atlantic City, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph nodes. Since successfully battling the disease four times, Dean continues his competitive professional surfing career, proudly representing the Garden State all over the world.
The Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation is a New Jersey Non Profit and 501(c)(3) charitable organization and donations are tax-deductible. Donations by check should be made payable to DRCF and mailed to P.O. Box 149, Somers Point, NJ 08244.