A fundraiser entitled “Skato With Kato” is set for Friday, June 2
th, starting at 4 p.m. at the Cape May County Skate Park, 5
th and West Avenue in Ocean City. The contest should get rolling at about 5:30p. Music will be provided by the Sheckies. All proceeds with go to the Humane Society of Ocean City. The refreshement proceeds will go to Alex's Lemonade Stand.
Photo Credit: Jaime Pustizzi
Divisions: Groms 12+ Under; Boys 16+ Under; Men 17+ up;
Girls 16+ under; Women 17+ up;
Prizes for winners of each division provided by Peace of Wood, Heritage Surf Shops, 7th Street Surf Shop, Surfer's Supplies; Amphibia Apparel; Downbeach Skate Co.; Ocean City NJ Surf School, and more....
The event was historic last year because it was the first-ever organized skate contest at the park, which opened last September or 2015. It was a great success and an annual event was born.
It is named in honor of a dog named Kato, the pet of Humane Society employee Phil Bellucci. Organizers said Kato was believed to need knee surgery, but upon further examination at the Humane Society and some physical therapy, the dog and his limbs received a clean bill of health.
Photo Credit: Jaime Pustizzi
“Originally it was going to be called ‘Skato for Kato’ but as it turned out, happily, we are calling it Skato with Kato,” said Willie Fannon, an event organizer and Owner of Ocean City NJ Surf School.
“We expect that Kato will be able to be there, with us at the event,” Fannon said.
There will be live music by local punk band, The Sheckies, and admission is free. There will be a $20 registration fee to take part in the skate competition, with all proceeds going directly to the Humane Society, a no-kill shelter established in 1964.
Alex's Lemonade Stand will be operating the refreshments.
Due to the success of last years event, word-of-mouth at the skate park has spread like wildfire about the contest, Fanon said. “I expect we are going to have a really nice turnout and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Photo Credit: Jaime Pustizzi
Fannon should know, he formerly organized and ran skate contests at the old skate park located near Gillian’s Wonderland amusements.
“It’s going to be a great time and I hope everyone will come out and enjoy the festivities,” said Fannon, who thanked the sponsors and the City of Ocean City for supporting the event.
