The custom trophy for the PBSC/CSC/TCC 8 Ball Bash pool tournament
What can I say other than i had great time assembling this trophy in honor of my surf club, PBSC, and my fellow members (and the greater coalition of surfing clubs) and their unwavering dedication to stepping forward and helping our friends in need in times of crisis.
Last year the money collected at the 1st Annual 8 Ball Bash at the storied West End in north Pacific Beach went toward one of our most treasured PB locals, Levy Fetiera. And to be quite honest, I saw Levy just today down at the lot, and it struck me that last year around this time I had my doubts that I would be seeing him again one year later, but there he was, enjoying the coastal breeze and soaking in the sun's nourishing rays, and really not looking any worse off than the year before. And maybe our little get together last October played a small part in that. So here's to you Levy!
As everyone in the surfing world knows by now, the fires that ravaged Lahaina, Maui a few months back took a large toll that extended well past the islands and all over the mainlands of this Earth, including right here in Pacific Beach. One of our many local ties to this tragedy is part of the greater Gordon & Smith family, that being Masi Saili, well known as a shaper for his own label as well as G&S, and the father of Mele Saili. Masi lost everything in the Lahaina fires, and though an early GoFundMe reached its goal, there is still so much needed to help Masi and his family put things back together. (By the way, you can still donate to the GoFundMe and participate in the tournament if you're so inclined.)
So it's in that spirit that this year's 8 Ball Bash is dedicated in Masi's honor, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to him. And in that spirit, I spent a little time making sure that the perpetual trophy that will now reside in the West End is worthy of such a storied venue with such a legendary clientele. You can sign up for this year's event here, and maybe just maybe you can get your name on the trophy for posterity!
Aloha,
Vince
