Surfers Support OC Surfing Pastor
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Surfers around the world feel a connection to each other known as Ohana, the Hawaiian word for family. And, when one of them is in need, they come together – just as a family would do – to give their love and support.
That’s happening now in Orange County where surfers are joining forces to help Pastor Sumo Sato of the H2O Community Church in Huntington Beach and an official chaplain for the Huntington Beach lifeguards.
When word got out that Sato is battling colon cancer everyone wanted to get on board to help. Soon a Facebook page was up and running and people began coming up with ways to help pay for Sato’s medical bills.
The Sumo Sato Luau of Love, at Don the Beachcomber, Saturday, April 9 (12 – 5 pm) will enable the surfing community to raise funds and let Sato know how much he means to it
Along with financial donations, people are donating their time, efforts, skills, and more. Surf Artists Ricky Blake, Marene K. Downs, Matt Stanton Beard, Al Scholl, and others contributed artworks to be auctioned. So did photographer Diana Sullivan. And Dave Reynolds designed the event poster.
Surf industry members and local shops are donating merchandise. Rockin Fig Surf Headquarters on Main Street in HB is planning central for the event, providing a place to meet, drop off donations and get tickets.
So, mark your calendar and join in this tribute to a man who has always been ready to provide spiritual guidance – from sermons and counseling to officiating at paddle outs for fallen surfers, Blessing of the Waves ceremonies and Surfers’ Hall of Fame inductions.
The Luau includes a Hawaiian-style buffet, four no-host bars, live entertainment, hula dancing, silent and live auctions – in a family-friendly environment. For more information, go to Luau of Love on Facebook. Or contact Andrea Roberson: 657-706-9781 or ndr.roberson@gmail.com
Then get ready to share in the warmth of Ohana!
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