NEWS///08.24.07

SURFER Magazine today named Da Friends of Jeannie Chesser and the USA Surf Team as the charity recipients of proceeds from VIP table sales from the 2007 Surfer Poll and Video Awards presented by Suzuki Auto. The annual event unites the worlds of action sports, music, entertainment and philanthropy at The Grove of Anaheim on Sept. 11 to honor the best in surfing and surf cinematography.  

This year, which marks the 35th anniversary of the event, promises to be monumental with a special live performance by Angels & Airwaves and a plethora of special guest appearances by legendary surfers, action sports athletes and celebrities. SURFER is selling VIP tables to companies within the surf industry for $1,500 each, with proceeds being divided equally between the two recipients—Da Friends of Jeannie Chesser and the USA Surf Team. 

Da Friends of Jeannie Chesser—Hawaiian surf icon Jeannie Chesser was diagnosed with Merkel Cell, a rare form of cancer, and recently underwent surgery to have the tumor removed. She’s currently undergoing intensive radiation treatments, which will be followed by chemotherapy. A legendary surfer and artist whose work and wit have blessed many, Jeannie is also the mother of late big-wave charger Todd Chesser who drowned off the North Shore in 1997. Da Friends of Jeannie Chesser is currently raising funds to aid Jeannie in her battle and is also hosting a benefit fundraiser at the Hard Rock Café in Honolulu later this month. 

USA Surf Team—The USA Surf Team is determined each year by Surfing America to represent the United States at the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships. The team will be announced following the SIMA Surfing America USA Championships this October. With a new head coach, an expanded coaching staff and enhanced training program, the funds will be crucial this year in helping to continue to elevate the program and the talent of young American surfers.  

“As Surfing America’s National Governing Body and USA Surf Team program expands, so do the associated expenses,” said Mike Gerard, Surfing America’s executive director. “That said, we’re very pleased the industry has come together to support the ‘brand’ of surfing and its future champions—and special efforts from key partners like SURFER Magazine go a long way to ensure the future success of the program.”                

In addition to SURFER's generous donation, presenting sponsor Suzuki Auto will donate a 2007 Grand Vitara to the USA Surf Team. Known for its versatile functionality, the Grand Vitara is exceptionally capable off-road and offers ample interior space for driver and passenger comfort as well as plenty of storage space to meet the needs of surf enthusiasts. It is the perfect vehicle for surfers looking for style, comfort, driving safety ... and that hard-to-reach surfing spot.   

The Surfer Poll and Video Awards will take place on September 11, 2007, at The Grove of Anaheim. Attendance is by invitation only, and the event will be covered exclusively on www.surfermag.com and www.surferpoll.net and broadcast for the fifth consecutive year on FUEL TV on October 22 at 8 p.m. Check www.fuel.tv for additional airdates and times. 

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