Health & Fitness
'Outrageous' Costumes Highlight Heartfelt Molly Charity Contest
This year there was no shortage of creativity from both the kids division, and the adults. In fact it was bigger and better than ever.
“Surfing-Community-Love". I came up with that line back in 2011. It was something that came to me, as I finished up my last day of "Catching a wave for Molly". Little did I know, that it would resonate within this surfing community, to the point that it has become the motto or mantra, for the MOLLY contest.
[PHOTO 2] I watched in awe again, this past weekend, as the MOLLY went down in perfect conditions for both the kids, and the adults. The MOLLY is the brainchild of this man, Buck Rowlee. Buck is Molly's dad.
For those of you who do not know who Molly is, I will give you a brief local history lesson. Molly Rowlee was a beautiful 5 year old surfer girl from Hampton who loved the beach, the waves, the fun at Surf Family Robinson, and most importantly, her family and friends.
February 14th, 2009 Lil Miss Molly was diagnosed with large cell Lymphoma. The most curable of all cancers. A mere five months after her diagnosis, and after numerous treatments at Children's Hospital in Boston, Lil Miss Molly passed away on July 12th, 2009.
Since her passing, there have been many fundraisers in her name and memory, but none more successful and rewarding, than the "MOLLY SURF CONTEST". This is not your typical surf contest. Far from it. Participants are encouraged to wear outrageous costumes. And 90% of those who sign up to surf, wear outrageous costumes.
[PHOTO 3] Including yours truly. *Who by the way- I have never entered an actual surf contest in the 49 years I've been surfing. But this is different. The MOLLY is judged by character and antics, more than contemporary surfing. The more creative the costume, the better.
And this year there was no shortage of creativity from both the kids division, and the adults. In fact it was bigger and better than ever.
There was so much laughing and smiling going on, that we almost forgot what the reason for the contest was all about. Almost.
The money raised in the MOLLY goes directly to families who are dealing with children who have cancer. And this was all Buck's doing. A grieving father and husband, Buck got back on his feet after Molly's passing and along with his wife Meighen and sons Kieran and TJ and a platoon of close friends help put together the most fun filled weekend of surfing.
This was the 3rd annual MOLLY. And may very well have been the best so far. The number of creative and hilarious costumes are too many to name here. But suffice it to say, it was beautiful.
No one was taking the actual surfing too serious.
As Buck himself says..."This is a FUN Raiser! Not a Fundraiser!"
With the clear emphasis on the word fun. And it was all of that and more. Much more. My face still hurts from smiling.
[PHOTO 4] The costumes, the love, and camaraderie was what was important.
[PHOTO 1] I know it's hard to see but Ryan McGill is actually wearing Roller Skates and he's hanging five! It was that kind of day.
[PHOTO 5] Then there was Erica Nardone who was cracking everyone up with the "Old Woman" with the cigarette butt hanging out of her mouth. She surfed with a cane!
[PHOTO 6] Dave "Crop" Cropper from Cinnamon Rainbows came dressed as Greg Brady from the Brady Bunch. Next week I will have a full gallery of the adult sessions and I can almost virtually guarantee you, it will put a smile on your face.
If you don't smile, give me a call, and I'll gladly come by to check your pulse for you. If you have a pulse, and you are not smiling, I'll simply slap the snot out of your miserable head. This was a fun weekend.
And once again, “Surfing heals all wounds.”
This Friday August 30th at 18th Street marks our 6th annual Wounded Warriors HIT THE BEACH Surf event. Right on the heals of the MOLLY this day is slated to be another one of those days that just leaves you feeling like you did something good in your life.
Because if you have ever been to one of these events, and have actually participated in them, it is one of those days that stay with you for days, weeks, and months afterwards.
Teaching wounded veterans to surf and enjoy the ocean is just the greatest thing. I know so many of the volunteers who look forward to this day. And rightfully so. It is hands down one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. And I have been around the block a few times.
And the very next day is the annual kids "End of Summer Beach Party". Having the kids go back to school before Labor Day is in my opinion Absurd. It's not right. They should all go back to school after Labor Day. Every child. In every state.
