Surf Industry Support
After overcoming bone cancer, Australian pro surfer Ritchie Lovett faced the burden of overwhelming medical bills. On Feb. 28, the surf industry threw a party at Mozambique restaurant in Laguna Beach, Calif., to raise money, putting a $110,000 dent in Lovett’s six-figure tab.
Nearly 150 guests attended the gala, including Dick Baker, president of Ocean Pacific; Paul Naude, chief executive and president of Billabong; and pro surfers Pat O’Connell, Lisa Anderson and Tim Curran.
A silent auction featured one-of-a-kind items, including a surf session with pro surfer Taylor Knox; apparel and accessories from O’Neill, Op, Quiksilver and Billabong; and five surfboards donated and autographed by pro surfers O’Connell, Luke Egan, Mark “Occy” Occhilupo and Lovett. A board signed by Anderson brought in $10,000.
“Mr. Lovett has demonstrated tremendous resolve in his fight to overcome cancer and it is a credit to his character that so many came out to lend their support in his time of need,” said Vipe Desai, one of the event’s organizers.—Erin Barajas
