Surfing for Salsa

When Huntington Beach surfer Catherine Vasquez was given a class assignment to come up with a senior project, she knew she had to combine her passion for waves with a cause she cared about.

The 17-year-old Edison surfer came up with the idea to put on a contest called SALSA (Surfers Against Lou Gehrig's Disease Surfing Alliance), an event that will benefit the ALS Association Orange County Chapter. She has set a goal to raise $10,000 for the event, scheduled to run at 7 a.m. on March 14 on the south side of the Huntington Beach pier.

She has already been touched by two loved ones with the neuromuscular disease – a former Girl Scout leader and her mom's cousin.

She's expecting about 100 competitors, and anyone can enter the contest. There will be various divisions for all ages, including beginners, longboarders and seniors.

I met up with Vasquez a while back to chat about her goal, and I was really amazed at her ambition for the good cause, and her goal to put on such a big contest. So I promised I'd help her get the word out. She's still looking for sponsors, competitors, or anyone that can help out.

"I know the economy is tough right now, but any small donation would be greatly appreciated," said Vasquez.

She said the response has positive, and she's amazed at the amount of people who have offered a helping hand.

"Everyone wants to help out, I'm really stoked," she said. "I didn't think it was going to be this big of a hit."

Entry fee is $30. If you want more information, go to www.salsasurfing.org.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/r...ntington-teams