Fundraiser Paddles In New Jersey and Texas Net Over $750,000 to Battle Cancer
Paddling to Beat Cancer Across the Country
The Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation’s annual Paddle For A Cause presented by Curexa in New Jersey and the Flatwood Foundation’s TYLER’S Dam That Cancer paddle in Austin, Texas both had great turn-outs last weekend and more than $750,000 combined to support their respective charities.
In Texas, 170 paddlers hit the water and paddled 21 miles to raise over $650,000 to aid those affected by cancer diagnoses through mental health support. Donations are still continuing to pour in and the total amount raised is increasing daily.
This year’s event proudly welcomed paddlers and notable participants such as host of 101X’s “Jason & Deb” morning show, Deb O’Keefe; Carmack Concepts owners Brad Womack, Chad Womack, and Jason Carrier; as well as paddlers from Austin-based companies ONNIT, theChive, Texas Oncology, Springbox, Alchemy Systems, Crossfit Central, Benjamin Beau Salon, WP Engine and more.
Paddle for a Cause
In Atlantic City, more than 120 paddleboarders entered the water with their own goals on Saturday. The Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation also had a goal – to raise $100,000 at its 10th annual Paddle For A Cause presented by Curexa.
“This was the most successful Paddle For A Cause and our most successful event in the history of the foundation. As pledges are still being collected, our projected amount raised is more than $110,000,” foundation president Mark Zappone of Linwood said. “The communal atmosphere of the paddlers was awesome, as was the effort of everyone who volunteered and participated in the event.”
Ryan Oliver of Toms River broke the course record for the 22.5-mile race with a time of 3:58:02 to win the men’s stand up paddleboard 14 feet and shorter category. Dan Michaluk of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was the second overall finisher at 4:04:20 to win the men’s prone unlimited category. The course is a grueling ocean and bay paddleboard race that tests competitors mentally and physically.
The event also included an 8-mile back bay race, 4- and 8-mile fun paddles, team competitions and concluded with an after party awards ceremony. All paddlers were required to fundraise $200 to participate with proceeds benefiting the foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides grants to financially assist people with cancer. After party funds are still being tallied.
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 $700,000 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.
Tyler’s Dam that Cancer
In Texas, 170 paddlers hit the water and paddled 21 miles to raise over $650,000 to aid those affected by cancer diagnoses through mental health support. Donations are still continuing to pour in and the total amount raised is increasing daily.
This year’s event proudly welcomed paddlers and notable participants such as host of 101X’s “Jason & Deb” morning show, Deb O’Keefe; Carmack Concepts owners Brad Womack, Chad Womack, and Jason Carrier; as well as paddlers from Austin-based companies ONNIT, theChive, Texas Oncology, Springbox, Alchemy Systems, Crossfit Central, Benjamin Beau Salon, WP Engine and more.
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