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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE HOLDING SURF CAMP FOR CHILDREN OF WOUNDED/FALLEN

 

San Diego, CA, July 9, 2009: FREEDOM IS NOT FREE (FINF) is partnering with Surf Diva, INT Softboards and the La Jolla Shores Hotel to sponsor an annual surf program called the Little Warriors Surf Camp in order to provide children of wounded and fallen service members with an escape from the daily reminders of why they’re ‘different’ from other children. The camp gives these special children a fun and physically challenging outlet that they might not otherwise have been afforded.

 

Additionally, at the conclusion of the camp, each child will receive his or her own surfboard so that they can continue to live the surfing lifestyle – one that encompasses sport, spirituality, physical fitness and emotional well-being. The camp will take place at Kellogg Park in La Jolla Shores, CA, from August 10-14, 2009. One child and his or her parents will receive an all-expenses paid trip to San Diego to attend two days of camp, a visit to Sea World or the world famous San Diego Zoo, and dinner at La Jolla’s finest restaurants, including world-famous George’s at the Cove, courtesy of FINF and the La Jolla Shores Hotel. The La Jolla Shores Hotel is graciously donating four nights in an oceanfront room to the winner of the essay, “What Freedom Means to Me.” Details for this contest are posted to the FINF web site.

 

Additional sponsors, Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, Sector9 Skateboards, Bessell Surf, Sticky Bumps Wax and Mitch’s Surf Shop will also participate. This year, FINF is honored to welcome 1977 world champion Shaun Tomson to the camp as a featured guest, along with supermodel, Carolyn Murphy. Active duty and veteran wounded warriors will also be in attendance to speak with the campers and provide surfing demonstrations. In addition to the INT softboard received by each child, there will be prizes and activities during each day of the camp. The Surfrider Foundation will present classes to the campers on ocean conservation.

 

Freedom Is Not Free, a California based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is proud to serve the brave men and women of the military and their families. Since its establishment in 2005, FREEDOM IS NOT FREE has raised funds to serve, support, and increase awareness with the aim of easing our heroes' and their families' burdens. We have assisted with travel expenses for families of fallen heroes; purchased "burn-beds" for road side bomb victims; helped to refurbish the Wounded Warrior Barracks at Camp Pendleton, CA; arranged the venue and accommodations for a surviving spouse conference; allocated funds for the purchase of equipment to convert conventional clothing into burn victim "tear-aways"; provided logistical assistance and funding for the renovation of a brain trauma center on Camp Pendleton; and provided funds for living expenses for recovering warriors and their families facing extreme financial hardship. The name of the organization, FREEDOM IS NOT FREE, gives expression to the founder’s sentiment that the brave men and women serving in the military, and their families, were shouldering the price – and all too often the ultimate price – for the freedoms that we ALL enjoy.

 

Surf Diva, which runs La Jolla Surf Camp and Australian Surf Academy, as well as Surf Diva Surf School – both in La Jolla and in Costa Rica – is San Diego’s number one surf camp for children. Since 1999, La Jolla Surf Camp has been teaching boys and girls how to surf in a safe and fun environment. Surf Diva was founded by Isabelle “Izzy” Tihanyi in 1996. She and her twin sister, Caroline “Coco”, have built the world’s most successful surf school for women and expanded that original concept to include instruction to men and children. Izzy understands the importance of this camp and what it means to give back. She and Coco – and all the staff at La Jolla Surf Camp – recognize the sacrifice of those who serve and recognize the additional strain placed on their families, especially the children. “This camp is a fantastic opportunity for these kids to get stoked on surfing. Jay (Kopelman), FINF Executive Director, has done an amazing job organizing everything.”

 

INT Softboards has been making softboards since 2001 and is the largest softboard manufacturer in the USA. From their Carlsbad, CA, facility they distribute softboards worldwide supplying retailers, rental programs and surf camps. INT is the only softboard manufacturer using a waterproof foam core in their boards. INT produces 4,500 boards annually and is the longest lasting, safest and most fun board on the market today. “We are proud to be involved with an organization that gives back to the families who keep our country safe and free,” said company representative, Dustin Campbell.

 

La Jolla Shores Hotel general manager, John Campbell, was eager to participate in this event with FINF. Known for their generosity and community involvement, this event was a no-brainer for the hotel. The La Jolla Shores Hotel originally opened in 1970 as the Sea Lodge Hotel and is one of only two hotels on La Jolla Shores. This family owned and operated beachfront retreat is framed by a public beach, the Pacific Ocean and the San Diego/La Jolla Underwater Park to the west; Kellogg Park, a children’s playground and picnic area to the north; the charming enclave of La Jolla Shores, including watersport rental locations to the east; and the hotel’s sister property the 98-room La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club to the south. Hotel amenities and activities include a heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, in-room massage services, and oceanview dining. Over 7,500 square feet of dynamic meeting and event space are also available making this hotel the perfect all-round destination for business, pleasure and family getaways.

 

Registration for the Little Warriors Surf Camp is available on the FINF web site. FINF has solicited, and is awaiting word from, a major airline partner for this event. Interested parents may visit the site to register their child(ren) and download the requisite release form.

 

Please visit the FINF website at www.FreedomIsNotFree.com or address questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information or to register for the camp.     ###