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Outerbanks Out of Reach
The
ESA Georgia chapter is working with the parent
organization, Eastern Surfing Association (ESA),
in raising funds for the people devastated by
Hurricane Isabel's extensive damage to the coastal
regions of North Carolina, especially the surfing
areas of Hatteras Island, the town of Buxton,
and the outlying areas surrounding the coastal
North Carolina Highway 12.
Led through the efforts of our Georgia ESA Directors,
Jeff and Tara Mosely, as well as members of
our local Georgia ESA chapter (and lest we not
forget all the friends thereof), we have already
raised a total of US$1,641.00, including an
incredibly generous contribution by one of our
main sponsors (the CRAB SHACK) for a total so
far of US$1,000.00. But we still need your help
and are seeking more contributions for those
in need. All donations will be forwarded immediately
to approved agencies on Hatteras Island for
disbursement to those families most in need.
Donations should be made payable to:
ESA Outer Banks Relief Fund
Please help us help those in need by sending
your contributions to:
P. O. Box 2793
Tybee Island, Georgia 31328
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ESA Board Says "Easterns
Stay On The Outer Banks" & Establish 'ESA Outer
Banks Relief Fund'
Ocean City, MD (9/24/03)
While the impact of Hurricane Isabel's wrath on the
Outer Banks of North Carolina has left everyone involved
with the Eastern Surfing Association's 2003 Eastern
Surfing Championships in a quandary, the ESA's District
Directors held an unprecedented conference call on Friday,
September 19th to discuss the fate of the 36th Easterns
and lay the groundwork for establishing the ESA Outer
Banks Relief Fund. This crowning event was scheduled
to run this week in the devastated town of Buxton -
home of the Easterns for nearly 36 years.
During
the September 19th conference call, the Board was informed
of the damage extent to Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras
Village. ESA contacts throughout the Outer Banks provided
reports that were in much greater detail than any national
news coverage and, unfortunately, more grave. The Board
immediately realized the 36th Easterns would not take
place in Buxton this week as scheduled and immediately
moved their conversation to rallying to help the fragile
communities of Hatteras Island. While this conference
call has left the fate of the 2003 Easterns undecided
until more information is gathered for the possibility
of rescheduling the event, a unanimous decision was
made to establish the ESA Outer Banks Relief Fund.
"The
Easterns, which crowns our East Coast Champions, is
very important to our members," explained ESA Executive
Director Kathy Phillips, "however, over the years,
our membership has also become very attached to the
community and people of Buxton, NC. Our hearts go out
to them." In the 1990's alone, millions of tourism
dollars were lost due to previous hurricane threats,
evacuations and ravagings. Each year during the slower,
fall tourism shoulder season, this small community looks
forward to the Easterns and the over one-million dollar
boost to their local economy spent by our 2000 competitors,
staff, spectators and media attendees. "This community
has always been there for the ESA," continued Phillips.
"Now it is our turn to be there for them."
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