By Elena Coe McNamara
Features Editor
Bringing the memory of loved ones to life, the seventh annual Dig for Jimmy and Doug Surf and Turf was held on Saturday, May 20.
The event benefits three different charities: Jimmy Miller Surf Foundation, Live Like Doug and Dig 4 Kids Foundation. The event was open to all ages and attracted over 100 competitors to compete in volleyball and surfing competitions.
“The foundations all contributed countless volunteer hours, helping to secure “in-kind” donations, behind-the-scenes planning leading up to the event,” Barry said.
Check out: The Live Like Doug foundation works to help children in need
Coordinator Kevin Barry created the event through his involvement with both the Jimmy Miller Foundation and Dig 4 Kidz. Barry has been an L.A. County lifeguard for 38 years and a Junior Guards instructor for 18 years this summer. Barry attended Palisades High School and graduated in 1979.
“Jimmy and Doug LOVED surfing and volleyball!!,” Barry said. “It was a true labor of love to put this on.
The event was held at the Manhattan Beach Pier and every volleyball and surfing team consisted of four members. This is the first year that Live Like Doug has participated in the event.
“This year with so many overlapping friends, colleagues, and relationships in common, and a similar “mission” with Live Like Doug to help others, it just made perfect sense to ask them to join in the event,” Barry said.
Live Like Doug is a foundation that aims to better the lives of children who have lost loved ones, according to the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce website. Live Like Doug was founded by Christine Schneider in memory of late husband, Doug Schneider. The foundation provides various programs free of cost to children, according to the One Mission Live Like Doug page.
“Tragically, we lost both Jimmy and Doug too early, but their legacies, especially in our local surf and volleyball communities will last forever,” said the invite to the event.
“To carry on their spirit we have created an event that encompasses the friendly and family style spirit of these two great beach sports in a unqiue way and supports the non-profits inspired by them.”
Photos: The Surf and Turf event attracted people of all ages
The Jimmy Miller Foundation works to provide ocean therapy to underprivileged children and the Marine Wound Warrior Battalion. The Jimmy Miller Foundation was founded in honor of late Costa alumni (‘87), Jimmy Miller. Miller both surfed and played volleyball while attending Mira Costa, leading to his 15 years as a L.A. County lifeguard.
“Jimmy’s love of surfing led to world travels and the creation of a surf school in Manhattan Beach,” said the invite to the event.
The Jimmy Miller Foundation was created in honor of late Jimmy Miller
Dig 4 Kidz is a program that offers both academic and athletic activities to underprivileged children.
“To carry on their spirit we have created an event that encompasses the friendly and family style spirit of these two great beach sports in a unqiue way and supports the non-profits inspired by them,” said the invite to the event.
The three organizations came together through their combined goal of helping others and love for the ocean, said Barry. All three organizations are based in the South Bay.
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