File/Dean Randazzo, center, thanks second place fundraiser Andrew Middlesworth, 16, of Linwood and his father, foundation President Brady Middlesworth, for their efforts on behalf of the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
VENTNOR – The Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation’s 13th annual Paddle for a Cause will relocate to Ski Beach this summer. The Ventnor Board of Commissioners Thursday, Feb. 13 approved the event, which will be held June 13 at the Ventnor bayfront park.
Ventnor City Deputy Fire Chief Brady Middlesworth, who is president of the cancer foundation, said the event attracts about 120 stand-up paddleboarders from around the world and about 50 of them tackle the around the island leg of the event.
“Over the course of our existence, we have raised close to $1 million to donate to people who have cancer and are in need of money,” Middlesworth said.
The foundation is named for cancer survivor Dean Randazzo, an internationally ranked surfer known in the surfing world as The Jersey Devil. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the height of his career in 2001. After multiple bone marrow transplants from his brother Joe, he returned to competition and won the Garden State Grudge Match in 2002 and 2007, and in 2004, earned MVP at the X Games.
The foundation works to promote cancer awareness and assists individuals battling cancer both emotionally and financially. It 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.
“I’ve been to their events,” Commissioner Lance Landgraf said. “They do a great job and help families who are struggling.”
Middlesworth asked the commissioners to waive some of the fees but will provide a security deposit and the $250 fee for police coverage. It will also name the city as additional insured on its insurance policy for the event and indemnify the city against any claims related to the use of city property.
Officials said the event would have a positive effect on the city, which is hoping to increase usage of the waterfront park.
Last year, the Downbeach Seafood Festival relocated to ski beach and is scheduled to return again in September.
“We are glad Ski Beach is getting more play and people are using it,” Commissioner Tim Kriebel said.
The city is planning improvements to the park, and the Ventnor Beautification Committee is providing some funding to purchase concrete picnic tables for the park.
