Surf's Up: Pi Phi Surf Classic Benefits First Book

Today’s post comes to First Book from the Pi Beta Phi chapter at UC San Diego. Pi Beta Phi is one of First Book’s fantastic partners. Their generosity and dedication have helped us get new books into the hands of thousands of kids from low-income communities.

On Sunday, May 15^th, the Pi Beta Phis at UC San Diego will be taking over Pacific Beach, once again, for the 8^th Annual Pi Phi Surf Classic, the biggest Greek philanthropy event in all of San Diego. The Pi Phis have been working hard on this event all year and will once again donate all proceeds to First Book, Pi Beta Phi’s national philanthropic partner. 

The 2010 event couldn’t have gone better, and featured both professional and amateur surfers from around Southern California and even Hawaii and Australia. Hosting a Men’s Open Division, Women’s Open Division, a Greek Division and a Tag Team Challenge, the surfers totaled over 100, more than the contest has ever hosted before, and the winner of the Men’s Open division took home $1,000. The 7^th annual competition, presented by Reef, was broadcast live on surfshot.com and brought 900+ spectators, competitors, volleyballers, and beachgoers to Pacific Beach. The fun day in the sun succeeded in raising over $15,000, a record for the charitable event, as well as a nomination from StayClassy.org’s 2^nd Annual Classy Awards, an awards ceremony recognizing standout philanthropic organizations.

This Year the Pi Phis aren’t holding back and hope to top themselves yet again. Reef and Sun Diego Boardshops present the 8th annual contest, again to be held in Pacific Beach, and there has already been a tremendous amount of support from the community and sponsors including SIMR Surfboads, SUPERbrand, Dragon Alliance and iTan. The day will highlight the generous donations from local businesses and corporate sponsors in a huge raffle giveaway, book drive, an all-Greek as well an open six-man volleyball tournament, delicious food vendors and some great surf.

Visit www.pibetaphi.org/ucsd for more information or email CAKappaVPP@gmail.com. Also, check out contest updates via Twitter or Facebook and watch the video from last year’s competition. See you down at the beach!