PRESS RELEASE
July 24, 2006

3rd Annual Chip Miller Charity Surf Fest raised money and awareness for amyloidosis

What’s better than fun in the sun and surf?

That combination in pursuit of a worthy cause and the remembrance of a much-loved man who embraced the surf.

It all came together at the 3rd Annual Chip Miller Surf Fest, presented by Fox Riders Co., under the direction of Surf-Brand manager Chris Drummy, July 19, at the 7th Street Surfing Beach in Ocean City, NJ.

Led by Nick Bricker, Surf Fest was conceived to benefit The Chip Miller Charitable Foundation, and the memory of Lance Miller’s father, Chip Miller, who passed away in 2004, and who was a surfing enthusiast and mentor to young surfers, as well as a renowned car-hobbyist. This year’s event raised a record $12,825 to help research the deadly disease.

This year’s soiree was highlighted by a special visit from the Planet Reef Tour, a sandals and clothing company that sponsors and attends events in North Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. The Planet Reef Tour planners, Bob Tanner, Jake Barrett and Jerry Mango, made certain that this year’s Surf Fest was among the hottest, brightest and most-fun stops on the circuit.

Special guests at the Surf Fest included pro surfers Rob Machado, Brad Gerlach, Ben Bourgeois, Evan Valiere, Matt Keenan, and Kevin Richards, who ride for Planet Reef Tour. These top surfers gave demonstrations, autographs and surfing lessons at the event.

There were also some incredible amateur surfers on hand, including Rob and Chris Kelly, Ian Bloch, Mike Ciramella and Ben Greaff. Those in attendance were thrilled as the pros and amateurs alike were around for meet and greets throughout the day.

This year’s Surf Fest included plenty of giveaway items for the charity donation raffle at El Fish Stixx in Margate, NJ, during the after-party. Some of the raffle items included three surfboards (from 7th Street Surf Shop, Heritage Surf Shop & Bob McVoy Surfboards), an O'Neill wet suit, a Van Stall fishing setup (from Tackle Direct), a video iPod and much more. The event was open to all ages with divisions that included Longboard, Short board, Men and Women and a specialty division with a Parent/Child heat. In the name of the Chip Miller Charitable Foundation, the event tries to focus on the family aspect of the surfing hobby.

The Chip Miller Charitable Foundation was founded after the death of car-hobby icon Chip Miller, who was afflicted with the very rare disease amyloidosis. Chip Miller was a respected friend and incredible surf father. He also co-founded Carlisle Events, the world’s largest automotive collector car business. The Foundation’s goal is to raise money to support the research of amyloidosis as well as raise awareness of this life threatening disease.

Surf Fest’s Bricker, a childhood friend of Chip’s son Lance Miller, once again spearheaded the surf contest. “We would have never surfed anywhere if it wasn’t for Chip,” Bricker said of when he and Lance were younger. “He drove us around everywhere.”

Many local surf shops such as Heritage Surf & Sport, Surfers Supplies and 7th Street Surf Shop contributed money and products to the festival, and the organizers, tabulators, announcers and judges all volunteered their time to the event. Returning as main sponsors for the surf event were Fox Riders and Jeff Quintin Real Estate Super Team.

Lance Miller stated: “It’s wonderful to see my father still make a positive impression on peoples’ lives. He lived his life always helping others and now he’s in heaven looking down making more positive impressions by spreading the word about amyloidosis. It’s amazing how he was such a dear friend with all my friends. He was my best friend and it carried over to my friends as well. We all loved to just hang out together!”

Contributions to the Chip Miller Charitable Foundation should be sent to 1000 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013-1588, or visit www.chipmiller.org for details.