[Photo by Chandler Williams of Modus Photography]
Last Saturday, the YOLO Board Seaside Celebration raised $11,250 to benefit 18-year old Destin resident Holly Burke and 28-year old South Walton resident Jason Thompson. Holly is battling a rare aggressive melanoma and Jason is fighting a rare form of leukemia. The all day celebration included morning paddleboard races on the Gulf, a silent auction, a YOLO Yak giveaway, and a concert from the popular Gulf coast group HERITAGE. Proceeds will be divided equally among Holly and Jason’s respective charities.
“The outpouring of support from our community for this two young people was absolutely amazing,” Jeff Archer, co-founder of YOLO Board LLC. “Everything about the celebration was perfect, from the weather to the race participants to the many volunteers and area businesses whose donations made the event possible. The generosity shown by everyone that day is proof that we live in a very special place.”
The morning began with the main race event scheduled, the 3-mile paddle in the Gulf with over 50 paddlers competing. The choppy conditions proved to be an extra challenge for paddlers, and overall winners of the race included Gary Wise in the unlimited division, Justin Cook in the 12’6” and under Male division and Dawne Raulet in the 12’6” and under Female division. Both Justin and Dawne won brand new YOLO Boards, and Dawne graciously donated her board to the silent auction to raise additional funds for the charities. Second and third place finishers in the 12’6” and under Male and Female divisions were Matt McDonald and Jo Serrato, and Debbie Hunter and Bernadette Leach. Afternoon races also included time trials and winners included Kevin Bandy, David Buckner, Matt Wise and Melissa Cordell.
The daylong silent auction included over 60 items donated by local businesses and residents. Highlights of the auction included a Drew Brees-autographed New Orleans Saints helmet, various condo stay packages from area resorts, a surf board from Billabong Grand Boulevard, a watch from McCaskill & Company, and original artwork from Dawne Raulet, Allison Wickey, Franko Jackson, Molly Elder and Susan Plessala. Bernadette Leach was the lucky winner of the YOLO Yak Giveaway, a hybrid stand-up paddleboard/kayak that retails for $995.00.
The event culminated with a two-hour concert from the pop/reggae band HERITAGE in the Seaside Amphitheatre. The laid back vibe from the seven member Okaloosa county-based band was the perfect end to a successful day. Sponsors of the event included Kialoa Paddles, The Merchants of Seaside, Seaside Beach, the Aesthetic Clinique, Beach Properties of Florida, Bud & Alley’s, Copy Systems, Swantree Concierge, M Public Relations, I Will Design for Food, Modus Photography and Buckner Productions.
For more information regarding Holly and Jason, visit their websites www.shredoutcancer.com and www.kickingitforjason.com.