Letter from the editor
As you may know, Bob and I run a nonprofit organization called Heart of Surfing, that offers recreational activities for individuals with autism and related disabilities. In the summer, we take participants surfing every Saturday.
This past weekend, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino hosted a special event for our organization, joined by the Eagles Autism Foundation, Swoop and the Eagles Cheerleaders. The day was a huge success, filled with joy, laughter and smiles all around. You can read more about it on page 12-13.
At the end of the event however, after packing the trailer with surfboards, life vests and equipment, we climbed into the van to head home. But as the wheels spun in the sand, it became clear — we were stuck.
“Pull forward. Pull back. Turn the wheel,” team members called out, trying to help. Nothing worked. The Boardwalk was bustling by then, and I could see a small crowd gathering. I imagined the worst: they were ridiculing us, or about to post a video online captioned, “Look at these dummies.”
I was wrong.
Instead, people discussed how they could help. One suggested cardboard, another brought a plank for traction. It worked — slowly, the van and trailer inched forward. A man who drove tractor trailers for a living offered to take the wheel, and I gladly handed it over. Three volunteers and Hard Rock team members, already worn out from three hours of volunteering, pushed us free.
As we rolled over the Boardwalk, the crowd cheered. I was reminded again that despite what we often see on television or social media, there are far more good people in this world than bad. People who genuinely want to help, to be kind, to lift one another up.
I’m grateful for them — and I hope to always be one of them.
Peace & Love,
Cindy
