Surfers Unite With A Blood Drive

Surfers Unite with Blood Drive

Longtime Oregon surfer and surf contest judge Gary is currently facing a medical condition requiring blood transfusions. Local surfers will honor Gary by participating in a blood drive on Saturday, March 1st from noon until 4 PM at Gorge Performance (7400 SW Macadam, Portland). The blood drive will feature surf related giveaways for people donating blood throughout the afternoon. “Gorge Performance is thrilled to be a part of the blood drive for Gary. We have lots of opportunities to show our concern for water quality and beach access issues, but when a rare opportunity to actually help another surfer like this comes about, we jump at the chance,” says Bob Rueter, Gorge Performance shop owner. “We really hope folks can come down and donate. We’ll do our best to make it fun, not to mention the surf gods will shine on you.”

The blood drive is held in honor of Gary, an active surf judge as well as high level surf competitor. After his treatment concludes, Gary says “I am looking forward to windsurfing and surfing my longboard on summer waves.” Gary was born into the surfing lifestyle, going to San Clemente High School and being arrested for surfing the mythical surfing break Trestles. Prior to becoming a state park, Trestles was part of a Marine base resulting in surfers facing criminal charges for trespass while in search of a world class barrel. Gary moved to Oregon to attend the Oregon Institute of Technology, and fell in love with the state. He remained here, and currently lives in Coos Bay while working as a land surveyor. Gary has two daughters. One of his daughters lives in Hawaii and just had his first grandchild who was born a 10th generation Molokai Hawaiian. Needless to say, Gary will have his grandchild surfing before the grandchild can say “Grandpa!” Gary’s favorite annual surf contest is the Surfrider Foundation Clean Water Classic, which will be held in May 2008 at Westport, Washington.

“Stoked” is often associated with surfing and describes a sought after emotional high. Wikipedia defines stoke as “... used to mean pumped up, excited, and ready.” The event website for this blood drive is GiveStoke.com, showing our appreciation for the one of the highest emotions in surfing and the ability of surfers to give the gift of life.

More information about the event can be found at GiveStoke.com