Amanda Curaza

Hey friends and family! A little update on life.. I need your help!! As you know, Van and I along with a great team run Operation Surf, a nonprofit serving veterans. Our aim is to restore hope, renew purpose, and revitalize community. Like all of us, this year has been a challenging one. We have had to cancel programs, critical fundraisers, and struggled to find a way to keep going. Through our focus to "Adapt and Thrive through COVID-19" our leadership team has worked hard to change tactics, adapt, and persevere in the face of challenge. Last week we were able to begin operating our week-long programs here on the Central Coast as an essential service and hosted an incredible group of veterans. We implemented our COVID safety protocols, creative adaptions, and succeeded beyond what we thought we could. Here's where I need your help. We are getting creative in this time on how to fundraise to keep our programs funded and organization running. Through our global "Surf-a-Thon" you can support someone by pledging for every wave they catch during the first weekend of November. You can also take the challenge and be a surfer, gaining pledges from your friends and family (if you don't surf, don't worry! 15 minutes of movement = 1 wave!).These funds will help keep our veterans coming to Operation Surf and our organization moving forward to help many more. We greatly appreciate any support you may offer. Even $1 helps! Mahalo!!

COVID-19 has seriously impacted us all, and our veteran and military communities are no exception. They are currently facing higher levels of isolation and hardship, such as stress and worsened PTSD, and need our support.

Now more than ever, Operation Surf’s mission to channel the healing powers of the ocean to restore hope, renew purpose, and revitalize community is critical.

Studies have shown that Operation Surf’s curriculum-based programs result in a 36% decrease in PTSD, a 47% decrease in depression, and a 68% increase in self-efficacy; and we don’t stop there.

We’ve been hard at work preparing to get our injured military and veteran community back to the water safely as we adapt our programs in response to COVID-19. This year challenged us to create new opportunities for building strength and connection among our participant community - such as our virtual program called ‘The Canteen:’ a place to come replenish, refresh, and connect.

These new programs allow us to provide even more support for our participants - no matter what the world throws at them. In order for us to provide support, we need yours.

Join us as we raise funds to support our participants, one wave at a time. To support Operation Surf’s mission, we invite our community to register for the Operation Surf-A-Thon.

How Does ‘Operation Surf-a-Thon’ Work? First, set your goal for the 3-day challenge. You can collect pledges for every wave you catch to support the mission of Operation Surf.

Surf’s Up! Over the dates of November 6th-8th, catch some waves at a break near you to ​surf for those who served​and tally them up to collect on your pledges.

Not a surfer or land-locked at the moment? 15 minutes of physical activity equates to one wave.

Show Me the Big Picture: Our goal is to unite 300 of our supporters from all over the world to participate in a 3-day event to help us collectively raise $75,000 to support our mission. Together, we can continue to support our injured military through a transformative experience that continues into a life of wellness indefinitely.

Where Does My Pledge Money Go? To ensure our organization adapts and thrives during this time, the Operation Surf-A-Thon will support our Mission Control which provides critical funding to manage, grow, and expand Operation Surf.

I Can’t Participate, but I Still Want to Contribute... How? There are many ways to support this fun and exciting digital fundraising event! Share on social media, spread the word about Operation Surf and our mission, pledge to other participants, or donate to us directly on our website. Mahalo!