Surfers from across the region will return to Margate’s Decatur Avenue beach Saturday, Sept. 12, for a milestone edition of the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation’s Surf For A Cause.
The annual competition, held in front of Ventura’s Greenhouse, will celebrate its 25th anniversary by bringing together surfers, families, businesses and community members in support of people affected by cancer.
Competitors will take to the water in eight divisions, competing for titles and trophies while helping the foundation raise money and awareness. The event is open to surfers from throughout the region and is expected to attract spectators to the Margate shoreline for a full day of competition and community support.
Surf For A Cause has been closely connected to the foundation’s mission since the nonprofit was established in 2001.
Professional surfer Dean Randazzo was at the height of his career when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. He publicly disclosed his diagnosis during the 2001 U.S. Open of Surfing and later dedicated himself to helping other people and families facing cancer.
The Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation was formally established Sept. 5, 2001. Just 10 days later, supporters organized the first Surf For A Cause in Margate.
The inaugural event included a surfing competition and an after-party hosted by Randazzo’s mother, Mary Lou. It raised more than $20,000, establishing a tradition that would become one of the foundation’s signature annual fundraisers.
Twenty-five years later, Surf For A Cause continues to reflect the community spirit that inspired its creation. The event combines competitive surfing with fundraising efforts designed to ease some of the financial pressure experienced by cancer patients and their families.
Since its inception, the volunteer-operated foundation has donated more than $500,000 to individuals battling cancer and their families. It has also awarded grants to regional organizations that provide services, treatment assistance and other forms of support to cancer patients.
The foundation’s mission is to promote cancer awareness within the surfing community while providing direct financial assistance to people affected by the disease. Its work extends beyond individual grants to include support for cancer-related programs and organizations throughout the region.
Surf For A Cause has grown alongside that mission, becoming a gathering point for people who share connections to surfing, the Shore and the fight against cancer. Experienced competitors, young surfers and families have helped sustain the event through more than two decades.
The competition also honors Randazzo’s connection to the sport. Known as one of New Jersey’s most accomplished professional surfers, Randazzo built an international career while maintaining strong ties to the South Jersey surfing community.
His experience with cancer transformed his personal battle into a broader effort to assist others. Through Surf For A Cause and the foundation’s other annual events, that effort has continued to generate financial support and bring attention to the challenges facing cancer patients.
The anniversary event will once again rely on sponsors, donors, competitors and volunteers. Sponsorship opportunities range from major event partnerships to memorial signs placed on the beach in honor of cancer survivors and those who have died from the disease.
Organizers are also accepting donations from individuals and businesses that want to support the foundation’s work but do not plan to compete.
Surf For A Cause will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, at Decatur Avenue beach in Margate, directly in front of Ventura’s Greenhouse.
Registration, sponsorship, donation and event information is available at TheDRCF.org.
