Life Rolls On ‘Night by the Ocean’ Benefit

Just discovered a great event and awesome foundation thanks to those blue eyes of Kelly Slater…the Life Rolls on Foundation held their 5th Annual “Night by the Ocean” Benefit last Sunday…also bringing a wee-bit more attention to this event was Prison Break babe Dominic Purcell.

Over 500 celebrities, surf stars and supporters stepped out in full force to support the Life Rolls On Foundation which is dedicated to improving the quality of life for young people affected by spinal cord injury. Sponsor Disaboom kicked in $75k while saluting the efforts of IMG Sports & Entertainment for their efforts in promoting positive images of people with spinal cord injury.

Don’t know how many of you have tried surfing before. Living in San Diego has given me pa-lenty of time on a board and I can tell ya its not easy. After watching autistic kids surf via the aid of ‘Surfers Healing’ I vowed never to have a bad day. And now, as we face this insane economic crisis, let’s keep it in perspective. Most of us can walk, talk and enjoy the freedoms that some can’t. The Life Rolls On Foundation rightly deserves some serious attention…as do those with spinal cord injuries. Combine ‘em both- add a few waves and a splash or two Kelly Slater into the mix and ya got yourself one hell of a foundation.

The black tie gala was held at the historic Hollywood & Highland Grand Ballroom, and the red carpet (complete with wheelchair access) was walked by: Kelly Slater, Nicky Hilton, David Katzenberg, Jenna Fischer, Brooke Burns, Dominic Purcell, Morgan Spurlock, Rob Machado, Brandon Boyd, Jeffrey Donovan, Brandon Jenner, Linda Thompson, Brandon Davis, Jason Davis and David Chokachi.

This years fundraiser was the largest ever for the Foundation and raised a whopping $340,000 thanks to heavy bidding during the cocktail reception…guests enjoyed dinner by Wolfgang Puck…Highlights of the evening included Kelly Slater underwriting Life Rolls On Foundation’s upcoming family fair for kids with spinal cord injury, Brooke Burns buying a trip to Tavarua Island, David Katzenberg winning a surfboard signed by Dean Morrison, Jeffrey Donovan winning a trip to Costa Rica, Jenna Fischer sponsoring a They Will Ski event to give children with SCI the opportunity to ski this winter and Sal Masekela donating $10,000 to the foundation.

Scheduled host for the evening, Sal Masekela, couldn’t make it due to a flight delay, so LRO founder Jesse Billauer took to the stage. Morgan Spurlock opened the ceremony followed by contributions from Dominic Purcell, Brandon Boyd, Rob Machado, Jeffrey Donovan, Jodie Nelson and Josh Billauer (Jesse’s brother).

About Life Rolls On: Founded in 1999, Life Rolls On Foundation (LRO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for young people affected by spinal cord injury. Utilizing action sports as a platform to push the bounds of possibility after SCI, Life Rolls On produces quality of life programming, raises awareness about spinal cord injury and funds research to find a cure. With a network of more than 70,000 supporters worldwide, LRO is one of the fastest growing, contemporary charitable organizations in the country and has been featured in national print, television and radio. In 2007, the organization received its first EMMY® nomination for Best National Public Service Announcement. For more information, visit www.liferollson.org. Also be sure to check out thier YouTube Channel.

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Delinda Lombardo
delinda@athlebrities.com