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Night by the Ocean Event Chairmen Announced
Life Rolls On Foundation is pleased to announce actors Simon Baker, Jeffrey Donovan, and surf legend Rob Machado will serve as 2009 honorary event chairmen for the 6th Annual Night by the Ocean. Held at the Kodak Theatre Grand Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland, Night by the Ocean is LRO’s signature fundraiser, from which proceeds support Life Rolls On’s quality of life programs, spinal cord injury education campaigns and outreach to newly-injured young people and their families.
“We’re privileged to have the continued support of such respected and well-recognized individuals,” said Jesse Billauer, founder of Life Rolls On. “As surfers and friends of the foundation, we’re excited to have each of them involved in this important event for the SCI community.”
Raising more than one million dollars since its inception, Night by the Ocean is a platform to recognize those who have made extraordinary contributions to the spinal cord injury (SCI) community and celebrate continued possibilities despite SCI. The evening will feature Wolfgang Puck-catered cuisine, hosted bar, live and silent auctions, live entertainment and touching stories of courage and hope.
Past honorary event chairpersons for Night by the Ocean include Minnie Driver, Kelly Slater, Jason Mraz, Sal Masekela and Dominic Purcell.
For information on attending or sponsoring Night by the Ocean, please call 310.807.5488 or visit www.nightbytheocean.com.
Photo Credits: Corbis, PMK | HBH, Hurley

LRO Named Official Charity of Hurley US Open of Surfing
Join LRO at the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, CA, July 23-26, 2009 for North America’s largest surfing competition. As the Official Charity of the event, Life Rolls On will have an interactive booth, displays and a “They Will Surf Again Expression Session” featuring surfers with spinal cord injury, including LRO founder Jesse Billauer.
Hurley and its partners are providing heart-pumping, non-stop activity, demonstrations, exhibits and booths surrounding the “50 Years at the Pier” celebration. Activities include Hurley’s Walk the Walk fashion competition (in which LRO ambassador Patrick Ivison will model), Elite-levl BMX courtesy of Nike 6.0 and the best skateboarders around competing in the Converse Coastal Carnage.
With so much activity, we could use your help. If you are interested in joining us for fun days, sunny skies and amazing waves, e-mail LRO Program Director Meghan Schinderle at Meghan@liferollson.org with your availability! For event information and live webcast, log onto www.usopenofsurfing.com.
Calling All volunteers and Adaptive Surfers on Both Coasts!
On July 18, Life Rolls On will hit Zuma Beach in Malibu, California for the fourth stop on its 10 city tour for They Will Surf Again (TWSA). A week later, on July 25, TWSA will roll into Cocoa Beach, Florida. At the most recent TWSA event, nearly one-third of the surfers who participated had never surfed or were getting back into the water for the first time since their injury. What an incredible gift our volunteers were able to give our surfers that day! You, too, can make a difference by helping us out at TWSA.
Volunteers are needed for on-site support in the water, on land, as well as administrative and production duties. In addition, rehabilitation and medical professionals are urged to let patients with spinal cord injury know about this exciting program that is no-cost to participants and enables them to enjoy the exhilaration of surfing through use of adaptive equipment and able-bodied volunteers. For volunteers unable to participate on the day of surfing, you can always support LRO through TeamLRO.
Photo Credit: Rob Arrouet
TWSA Celebrates a Successful Return to the Jersey Shore
On June 28, more than 25 surfers with spinal cord injuries and approximately 200 volunteers came together for Life Rolls On’s second annual They Will Surf Again in Long Branch, New Jersey. Led by Life Rolls On volunteer Joe Levy, this event nearly doubled its number of participants from the year before, welcoming surfers from throughout the Northeast, including New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey to enjoy a day of surf, sun, and great waves at Pier Village.
“It was amazing being in the water with the surfers,” said volunteer Frank Colvin. Referring to the break in good weather after five weeks of rain, he added, “Long Branch got its share of good karma today!”
Thanks to sponsors Vita Coco, Sambazon, Raw Revolution, Kessler Rehabilitation, Weird NJ, Summertime Surf Camp, Billabong Surf Camps, Dosils Sport and Surf, Surf Taco, SeanBranin.com, Seaview Orthopedic, Sunrise Obstetrics, GoingOffSurf.com, Board Luv, Monmouth Rubber and Plastic, Stingray Tackle, Ray Licata Memorial Swim, City of Long Branch, and Pier Village, it was a remarkable day of pushing possibilities for young people affected by SCI.
"I can't walk, but I can surf," said 23-year-old Joe Cali, who sustained a spinal cord injury as a result of a car accident three years ago. “There is no dis in my ability."
> Event Photo Gallery
> News Article
LRO will make a second trip to New Jersey in September for its East Coast LRO Golf Tournament in Cape May on September 26, followed by TWSA-Cape May on September 27.
> Register for the golf tournament
> Sign up for our second Jersey Shore They Will Surf Again
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Liquid Aloha Fest
LRO founder Jesse Billauer will be a featured guest on Saturday, July 18, at Liquid Aloha Fest presented by Kona Brewing Company and 944 magazine. Hosted at Sutra Nightclub in Triangle Square (Costa Mesa, CA), $20 from each $40 ticket will benefit LRO. The price of admission includes live performances by Eek-A-Mouse, Ravi Drums and DJ Eric Cubeechee, fashion show, special appearance by pro-surfer CJ Kahuna, and complimentary Kona Beer for all guests between 5-9 p.m.!
After an amazing day of sun and surf at TWSA-Zuma, join us for fun and fundraising at Liquid Aloha Fest! For more information, visit www.liquidalohafest.com.
Big Wednesday
Support LRO and have a great meal too! Duke’s Malibu Restaurant and Barefoot Bar will host Big Wednesday benefiting Life Rolls On Foundation on July 29 at its Malibu location (21150 Pacific Coast Highway) from 6-8:30 p.m.
Presented by 100.3 The Sound, prizes will be raffled every 15 minutes and Happy Hour specials will be offered from 4-6 p.m. All donations collected will benefit Life Rolls On.
Join us for a fun evening at Duke’s where you’ll enjoy oceanfront views, Hawaiian-influenced cuisine with the freshest seafood and steaks in town, and a great time with your friends from LRO! For more information, contact Shane at Duke’s Malibu – (310) 317-0777.
Castles in the Sky Welcomes LRO
LRO founder Jesse Billauer and Life Rolls On Foundation were invited to the exclusive sneak preview party for the surf travel film, “Castles in the Sky,” as Reel Sessions productions graciously named Life Rolls On its charity partner for the event.
On June 2, Reel Sessions Productions, Sipping Jetstreams Media and Nike Sportswear debuted footage of their film directed by Taylor Steele at the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood, CA. Guests enjoyed pre-show entertainment provided by DJ Mathieu Schreyer, a photo exhibit, live music, and an open bar provided by Jim Beam.
Familiar faces in the crowd included LRO’s Advisory Member Jesse Faen, accompanied by girlfriend Jessie Samedi and actor Scott Caan. Guests also included LRO supporters and Hurley team riders Rob Machado and Kalani Robb, The Daily 10’s Sal Masekela as well as TWSA volunteer and Nitro Circus’ Dov Ribnick.
LRO Ambassador News
LRO Ambassador Ricky James will be tackling another terrain, as SoCal SuperTrucks recently announced that Ricky will be their driver in their brand new Superlite truck for the remainder of the 2009 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. “I can’t wait to combine my experience of 2-wheel dirt and 4-wheel asphalt into one discipline,” said the 20-year-old James.
The race will be one of many competitions Ricky has participated in since his spinal cord injury four years ago. In 2007 he competed in the SCORE International Baja 500. In 2008, he won a silver medal at X Games 14 and was crowned champion of the West Coast Pro Truck Series. The same year, Ricky competed in the 2008 Ironman World Triathlon Championship, then, a month later, won the Overall Half Ironman World Championship.
Join LRO as we cheer Ricky on to another victory! For a complete schedule of James’ races, visit www.lucasoiloffroad.com.
AYP LA/OC Seeks Board Members
Are you a professional, living in the LA or Orange County areas? Life Rolls On wants you! LRO’s Active Young Professionals (AYP) LA/OC chapter is seeking the best-of-the-best who are interested in holding board and committee seats for at least one year with this chapter. AYP empowers young business leaders, ages 21-40, with the opportunity to enhance their professional development while serving their community through fundraising, volunteerism and community outreach activities. The goal is to provide active young professionals with an ever-growing community in which they can network, communicate, grow and socialize, while supporting the mission of Life Rolls On Foundation.
Opportunities include:
* Vice President
* Secretary
* Finance Officer
* Event Officer
* Business Development Officer
* Marketing Officer
If you would like to learn more about these opportunities or join AYP as a chapter member please send an e-mail to: ayplaoc@liferollson.org.
AYP San Diego News
Members of Active Young Professionals – San Diego enjoyed surf and sun at the 5th Annual Switchfoot Bro-Am in Encinitas, CA on June 27. Joining them was LRO Ambassador Patrick Ivison to raise awareness and rally support for spinal cord injury in the San Diego community.
AYP-San Diego also helped out at Ivison’s 2nd Annual “Help Patrick Walk” Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament the following day. Proceeds from the event benefited “Help Patrick Walk,” a charitable fund that underwrites Patrick’s participation at the spinal cord injury recovery center, Project Walk.
For young professionals in San Diego who would like to know more about or participate in AYP-San Diego, please email aypsd@liferollson.org.
Two More Interns Join Life Rolls On This Summer!
LRO is pleased to announce that former-intern Sandy Sirirat recently accepted a full-time position with The Riordan Foundation. Though she will continue to work as a volunteer and member of LRO’s AYP-LA/OC chapter, Sandy’s departure has made it possible for the organization to welcome additional team members, which include Ryan Dupuie and Athena Meshkin.
Currently a senior, pursuing a degree in Communication at USC, Ryan Dupuie is stoked to get started on his internship where he will assist on Life Rolls On fund development and marketing projects. “Growing up, I saw and heard many great things about LRO, but never thought I could play such a role as involved as this one, in this amazing organization,” said Dupuie. “I’m excited to be working alongside awesome individuals who make LRO happen.” Ryan has extensive experience working in marketing and advertising. He has also organized philanthropic events for non-profits through the Greek system at USC, where he co-chaired a week-long event to raise awareness and support for the Friendship Circle to benefit children with special needs. Under his leadership, the event generated over $35,000 for the non-profit organization.
Athena Meshkin will enter her senior year at USC in the fall, studying Business Administration and Communication. She is on the USC Rowing team and has been committed to sports and an athletic life since childhood. Her passion for life and athletics drew her to LRO, as she is dedicated to helping people find, and stay connected with, their own passion. “Sports are my release; they help me to stay grounded and focused,” said Athena. “Here, at LRO, I can help others find that same sense of strength and calm through sports, regardless of what may be going on in their lives.” Meshkin will provide administrative support for all areas of the organization, with special emphasis on TWSA-Cocoa Beach.
Look for Ryan and Athena to join previously-introduced intern Alexandra Hernandez at several of LRO’s upcoming events this summer. All will work out of Life Rolls On’s administrative offices in Culver City, CA.
> Learn more about interning for LRO
LRO Benefits from New Product Launch
To celebrate its product launch, TONIC, a new haircare line designed specifically for sun enthusiasts, will donate a portion of proceeds from its sales during August and September to Life Rolls On Foundation. Custom-formulated with UV inhibitors, the TONIC product line is free of sulfates and parabens and is designed for beach-goers and water enthusiasts who love sun, surf and style. To celebrate this partnership, TONIC will feature LRO at its official launch party at the famed Aaron Chang Gallery in Solana Beach, CA. For more information, or to purchase TONIC products, visit www.tonicshop.com.
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| SCI Community News |
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Elegance Meets Sophistication for People with SCI
Canadian fashion designer Izzy Camilleri recently unveiled a new line: Iz Collection of Adaptive Clothing. A highly respected designer whose collections blend timeless sophistication with subtle sexiness, Izzy Camilleri designs can be found in magazines like People and Entertainment Weekly, on the big screen in The Devil Wears Prada, and on some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, Catherine Zeta Jones and Reese Witherspoon.
Designed specifically for a seated cliental, the Iz Collection of Adaptive Clothing was inspired by the special needs of a couple of the designer’s dear friends, who struggled with their wardrobe because of quadriplegia. “They are so limited on what they can wear, so I felt I could launch this collection to help more people dress with ease and comfort, fashionably,” said Camilleri.
Among the line’s revolutionary design elements are transformed cuts to eliminate excess material bulk and a “high back” to accommodate high level spinal cord injury. The high back on the Tailored Blazer, for example, enables wearers to put on and take off the garment with ease throughout the day. Iz Collection of Adaptive Clothing also introduces an invisible zipper on sleek dress pants to accommodate catheter tubing. Every piece is custom made for the client and made to order through the designer’s website.
An adaptive men’s and children’s line will be released in the fall. To view the full collection or to place an order, visit www.izzycamilleri.com.
10 Tips to Prevent SCI This Summer
While Life Rolls On creates programs to support individuals after spinal cord injury. It is also committed to educating the public about spinal cord injury prevention. As summer approaches, more and more people are engaging in physical activity. Whether surfing, running, swimming or just outside enjoying the great weather, it is important to be cautious of health and safety in order to prevent injuries.
> 10 ways to help prevent injury and stay safe
| Just A Little More |
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Thank You Host Committee!
Thank you again to the following dedicated LRO Board Members & Volunteers who have committed to serving on the 2009 Night By The Ocean Host Committee. If you are interested in helping to spread the word about NBTO and want to serve on this expanding Committee, please let us know!
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Josh Billauer
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Jesse Billauer
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Ross Garrett
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John Hearne
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Scott LeClair
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Matt McClain
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Richard Yelland
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John Dunay
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Jesse Faen
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David Lienhard
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David & Sharon Olan
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Morgan Spurlock
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Jack Burger
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Dr. Mike & Madonna Billauer
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Dr. George Billauer
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James Leitz
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Jennifer Lau
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Craig Lauer
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David Carter
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Drs. Bert & Ruth Mandelbaum
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Steve Lewis
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Lance Zeno
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Lucy Hu Bruttomesso
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Andrew Watkins
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Tim & Kristina Ripatti Pearce
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Dr. Frank & Regina Merritt
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I Am LRO:
Amanda Perla
Twenty-year-old Amanda Perla recently had a life-changing experience at her first They Will Surf Again (TWSA) event in Jacksonville, Florida. It was there that she re-connected with her love of the ocean. The Sanford, Florida native and founder of the Step It Up Recovery Center for spinal cord injury describes how LRO empowered her to be active and join in her family’s passion for surfing.
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Sponsor Spotlight:
Heineken
Learn more about Heineken USA, the United States’ premiere beer importer and LRO partner, whose leadership in the community is only rivaled by its commitment to product quality and excellence.
> Read More About Heineken
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Volunteer Spotlight:
Ted Canedy
This eligible bachelor (Ladies, take note!) loves two things, the beach and giving back. See how Life Rolls On’s Ted Canedy combines his passions to make others’ dreams come true. He has a blast doing it and recommends you get fired up too!
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Doctor's Forum:
Dental Tips
Good dental health is obviously important for eating, speaking, and smiling, but it is also important for good overall health. Learn why dental health is especially important for people with SCI from one of Los Angeles’ leading dentists, Dr. Mary Murakawa.
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View LRO's PSA
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LRO Schedule
July 18: TWSA Zuma Beach (Malibu), CA
July 18: Liquid Aloha Benefit Concert
July 25: TWSA Cocoa Beach, FL
July 25: Duke's Malibu Benefit
July 23-26: LRO @ Hurley US Open of Surfing Huntington Beach, CA
August 1: TWSA Virginia Beach, VA
August 8: TWSA Wrightsville Beach, NC
Sept 10-12: LRO Booth @ ASR San Diego
Sept 13: TWSA La Jolla Shores, CA
Sept 26: NJ Golf Tournament Cape May, NJ
Sept 27: TWSA Cape May, NJ
October 4: Night By The Ocean Hollywood, CA
October 10: TWSA Santa Cruz, CA
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TWSA Partners
Additional Thanks
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