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| Photo: Connor Getzlaff takes 2nd in the Men's Division By: Leslie Ann Ginsburg-Connors |
Saturday, March 5, 2011 will be a day to remember for the Beats by the Beach Festival at Ocean Beach Surf & Skate. With warm and sunny weather and help from local businesses, bands and skate brands, this free, philanthropic festival helped raise over $1,750 for the YMCA Youth and Family Services (YFS), a non-profit, social service and program provider whose cause is strengthening the community.
Located at Ocean Beach Surf & Skate, the festival started and ended with crowds of people and thanks event sponsors, the celebration went off without a hitch. Live music by local bands The New Kenetics, Tommy Dubs, Habitat and Rightjahs Blend drew in people from all directions as did the aroma of freshly grilled burgers, graciously donated by Hodad’s.
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| Photo: Local band, Habitat rocking the crowd at the Beats by the Beach Festival By: Habitat |
The skate jam sponsored by Habitat, Alien Workshop, Typical Culture, Dizm Eyewear, SUPERbrand Apparel also brought skateboarders from all over San Diego. From grom skaters including 6-year-old Bryce Tanner and division winner, Ryan Connors to pro/am riders such as Connor Getzlaff, Blake Spencer and men’s division winner, Tommy Werner, the talent at the skate jam was unbelievable. The art show featuring the work of local artists and students also had a huge pull for the fundraiser, earning over $500 in silent auction bids alone.
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| Photo: 1st place winner in Grom Division, Ryan Connors By: Leslie Ann Ginsburg-Connors |
“Since we moved to the new location, we have hosted over a dozen events in our parking lot and the Beats by the Beach festival was definitely one of the largest yet,” explains Rodger Caldwell, the owner Ocean Beach Surf & Skate. “Giving back to community is what it’s all about and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the turnout of this event.”
The money raised at the Beats by the Beach Festival will go towards programs at the YFS such as provided emergency shelter and transitional living programs for homeless young adults, a safe place for kids to go after school every day and counseling programs and support to families in times of stress.
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| Photo: 6-year-old Bryce Tanner takes 2nd in Grom Division By: Bob Tanner |
"We are very thankful for our sponsors and their help in planning this event,” says Brooke Inman, YSF Site Supervisor at Correia Middle School. “The Beats by the Beach Festival was more than anything we could have imagined and we are thrilled that our fundraising goal was met and nearly doubled!”
