Cody Schweim, 11, of Ocean City hangs loose before his heat at the 18th annual Surf For A Cause in Margate. He would place second in the grom boys and boys categories.
MARGATE – An overcast day and rain did not dampen the spirits of participants of the 18th annual Surf For A Cause held Saturday, Sept. 8 at Decatur Avenue beach and Ventura’s Greenhouse. The event raised $30,000 to support the work of the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation.
The competition off the water was just as fierce as it was on the water. Fundraisers set out to #SurfItForward by collecting online pledges for the nonprofit organization.
Jack Walcoff of Linwood was the top fundraiser with $3,060. He was presented with a custom-shaped surfboard by Brian Wynn and a guided surfing adventure to Tamarindo, Costa Rica for raising the most funds.
Top fundraiser Jack Walcoff, 13, of Linwood is congratulated by Dean Randazzo at the 18th annual Surf For A Cause in Margate.
Walcoff handed the trip prize to the second-place fundraiser, Andrew Middlesworth of Linwood. Middlesworth raised $2,185 and was awarded a surfboard signed by Dean Randazzo for being the second-place fundraiser. The trip presented by Surf Club Vacations includes board rental, lesson, airfare, hotel accommodations and breakfast daily.
Dean Randazzo thanks second place fundraiser Andrew Middlesworth, 16, of Linwood and his father, foundation treasurer Brady Middlesworth, for their efforts for the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation.
Vanessa Morrison of Harleysville, Pennsylvania raised the most for the girls 17-years-old and younger category. DRCF ambassador Michelle Barbera of Margate was the top fundraiser in the adult category with $1,925. Each won a board shaped by Wynn.
In addition, former foundation president Paul Giunta and his sister Alison Dannenhower, the owners of Shore True Value Hardware in Somers Point, were honored for their dedication to the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation throughout the years.
The foundation also honored the memory of foundation supporter Joe Dougherty during the event. The Heart of Surfing Booker D. Surfdog and Onyx Shorepound Surfdog were also involved in helping make the Surf For A Cause a success.
The foundation also awarded $5,000 each to AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute, Shore Medical Center Cancer Center and Cape Regional Health System’s Brodesser Cancer Center.
Trophies were awarded to the top three surfers in each division.
Dean Randazzo presents Sienna McDermott, 13, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with her trophy for winning the girls division at the 18th annual Surf For A Cause in Margate.
18th annual Surf For A Cause results:
Groms – boys 11 years and younger
- Mitchell Zappone
- Cody Schweim
- Nick Sardy
- James Wildman
- Bryce Hanin
Gromettes – girls 12 years and younger
- Brynn Gallagher
- Sophia Whelan
- Abby Maglietta
- Mia Gallagher
- Sarina Morrison
- Marina Zappone
Boys 12-14 years old
- Jeremy Nordberg
- Cody Schweim
- Chris Sardy
- Nick Sardy
- Colin Schweim
- Jack Downing
Girls 13-15 years old
- Sienna McDermott
- Mia Gallagher
- Brynn Gallagher
- Vanessa Morrison
- Lauren Nate
Junior Men 15-17 years old
- William Bumbernick
- Evan Couval
- Chris Sardy
- Jeremy Nordberg
- Andrew Middlesworth
- Jackson Longreckee
Legends 45 years and older
- Frank Levine
- Frank Messina
- Jay DePutter
- A.J. DeFillipis
- Adam Walcoff
- Paul Pallitto
Men 18-24 years old
- Patrick Taylor
- William Bumbernick
- Jackson Baylinson
- Bruce Sharp III
- Chris Baylinson
- Nick Giunta
- Vincent Villarico
Open longboard
- Sean Duffey
- John Depersenaire
- Nick Giunta
- A.J. DeFilippis
- Jake Downing
Open stand-up paddle
- Paul Giunta
- Lindsay Tate
Women 16 years and older
- Sienna McDermott
- Vanessa Morrison
Chris Sardy, 13, of Ocean City receives his trophies from Dean Randazzo for winning third place boys and junor mens categories at the 18th annual Surf For A Cause in Margate.
