Blog: Turn your used surfing gear into cash to help our non-profit preserve the beaches

Local businesses and surfers can help a great cause by donating surfboards, bikes, camping gear, stand-up paddle boards, or other sports accessories to the Christmas in July fundraiser coming July 27 to South Carlsbad State Beach.

The non-profit Friends of Cardiff & Carlsbad State Beaches needs donations, even of good used gear, that can be auctioned off in its silent auction on the day of Christmas in July. FCCSB is also appealing to local businesses such as clothing stores, major retailers and restaurants for interesting auction items or even gift card donations.

“We are reaching out to local surf shops, retailers and local residents to donate prizes to help us raise as much money as possible to protect the North County beaches.” said Bill Mahoney, VP/founding board member of Friends of Cardiff & Carlsbad State Beaches or FCCSB.  “Gift cards from local restaurants and other businesses are fantastic donations that help us make the silent auction as popular as possible.”

Last year's Christmas in July raised $24,000 for the local beaches. The FCCSB's main project currently is called Adopt-a-Stairway. Money being raised this year at Christmas in July will go towards rebuilding and preserving the 9 tall bluffside stairways down to the beaches at South Carlsbad State Beach and San Elijo State Beach campgrounds.

If you have a surfboard, snowboard, bike, camping gear or any other prize you would like to donate, please call or text Bill Mahoney at 858-603-2705 or email Bill@FCCSB.org. Used boards or bikes just collecting dust in your garage will be turned into cash to preserve your favorite surfing locations. An FCCSB member will come and pick up the prize item donation and give you a receipt for your tax-deductible donation.

Mark your family’s calendar on Saturday, July 27th, starting at noon to bring the kids down to the popular annual Christmas in July event at South Carlsbad State Beach. It is a free family event with special guests, face painting, free prizes and the silent auction. Visitors not camping can park at the beach for the day at South Carlsbad in a special Day Parking area.

THE FCCSB MISSION: FCCSB assists and works collaboratively with California State Parks to protect and preserve Cardiff, San Elijo, South Carlsbad and Carlsbad State Beaches. The non-profit organization, founded in 2009, supports the beaches through educational avenues providing information concerning the natural, cultural, historical and biological diversity of the parks.

FCCSB holds monthly board meetings in Carlsbad on the third Wednesday of each month.

The non-profit group promotes environmental ethics, funds interpretive educational programs, organizes special events and enhances the recreational experiences of the visitors and local citizens. Individuals can contribute to Friends of Cardiff & Carlsbad State Beaches by becoming a “Friend” of the local beaches with an annual financial donation starting at $35. You can make a donation to FCCSB via Paypal in 1 minute by hitting the “Donate” button at FCCSB.org and following the steps. New members will receive a Friends t-shirt and begin receiving our monthly newsletter about parks events and improvements.

You can also go to FCCSB.org to give a gift of a membership to a friend or to learn more about our many special events and volunteer opportunties.

For more information, please call or text Bill Mahoney (858) 603-2705 or email Bill@FCCSB.org