Hi everyone!
I'd like to share with you my experience this weekend with
Best Day Foundation, Orange County Chapter.
Best Day is a non-profit organization that allows kids with special needs to participate in safe, fun-filled adventure activities including surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, snow-tubing and more. An experienced team, generous sponsors, and volunteers help keep the programs free for all.
Children with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Blindness, Cancer, Spinal Cord Injuries, and other physical and developmental challenges are able to participate in activities that help build their self esteem and confidence.
The event I attended was held at Doheny State Beach on Saturday May 26th and 27th. We started at 8 am to help set up and go over safety guidelines. The kids arrived with their parents at 9:15 a.m.
The volunteers are given instruction and assignments; and the children are paired with their "beach buddies" based on their experience and each child's specific needs. The parents are informed that this is a day for them to sit back and relax; with this freedom, they are able to truly enjoy the happiness that their children are experiencing.
The children are ecstatic as they are waiting on the sand for their turn. The happiness and joy felt from the children, as well as the volunteers, is palpable. You cannot stop smiling, and the time flies by.
At the end of the day, the kids have an award ceremony. Each child will receive a Best Day Surf Team medal and a goodie bag (which is a back-pack / totebag) --- the contents vary but
usually include: a BDF tshirt, some sponsor SWAG (posters, stickers, etc.)
Max Montgomery, the Co-founder/Executive Director of the OC chapter tells me that
"Our
per child cost is $197 -- but should decrease over time as we're able to ramp
more chapters and events.
... In 2011, the OC chapter covered just 42% of its costs via
donations and grants.
The organization needs sponsorship and donations.
The experience with Best Day was incredible, and I can't wait to do it again. The next event is June 16-17th at Bolsa Chica State Beach (Huntington Beach, CA).
Please click here if you would like to get involved: http://www.bestdayfoundation.org/get-involved/
I'd like to share with you my experience this weekend with
Best Day Foundation, Orange County Chapter.
Children with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Blindness, Cancer, Spinal Cord Injuries, and other physical and developmental challenges are able to participate in activities that help build their self esteem and confidence.
The event I attended was held at Doheny State Beach on Saturday May 26th and 27th. We started at 8 am to help set up and go over safety guidelines. The kids arrived with their parents at 9:15 a.m.
The organization needs sponsorship and donations.
The experience with Best Day was incredible, and I can't wait to do it again. The next event is June 16-17th at Bolsa Chica State Beach (Huntington Beach, CA).
Please click here if you would like to get involved: http://www.bestdayfoundation.org/get-involved/
volunteers and parents watching their children
Award ceremony, where each child receives a medal and goodie bag filled with sponsor swag..
Wetsuits, helmets, and life jackets are provided for each child.
Ricochet the surf dog was there!!
The experience with Best Day was incredible, and I can't wait to do it again. The next event is June 16-17th at Bolsa Chica State Beach (Huntington Beach, CA).
Please click here if you would like to get involved: http://www.bestdayfoundation.org/get-involved/
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