Surf For All: A Life-Changing Week in the Waves
March 1, 2026
Words: Karen Bloom
Photos: Jason Belsky (@jaybelsky)
Date: April 15th, 2026
The Long Beach Classroom Teachers Association (LBCTA) is proud to continue its tradition of giving back to the Long Beach community by supporting charitable organizations that make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families. Each year, the LBCTA works to make a positive impact through fundraising efforts that demonstrate what can be accomplished when our members come together with a shared purpose. Keeping our efforts focused on local causes has been a priority in recent years, allowing us to directly support organizations that serve the students and families of our own community.
This year, the LBCTA Public Relations Committee carefully discussed potential charities to support and agreed that we wanted to once again keep our fundraising local. Through conversations among committee members, the idea of raising money for Surf For All quickly stood out as the perfect choice. The association reached out to our own Dr. Jeanine Sorensen, who serves on the Board of Directors for Surf For All, as well as to the organization’s founders, Cliff Skudin, Will Skudin, Jim, and Nancy, to learn more about their work and how our support could help continue their mission.
Anyone who has spent time on the beach when Surf For All is in the water can see firsthand the incredible dedication of the volunteers who give countless hours to make children smile while teaching them the joy and confidence that comes from being in the ocean. Surf For All provides surf outings and a summer camp for children with disabilities, offering a free and inclusive experience for families. Since the camp began in 2016, the program has relied entirely on volunteers and fundraising support. According to Dr. Sorensen, the experience of surfing is truly transformative for many of these children, helping them build social connections, gain confidence, and enjoy opportunities that might not otherwise be possible.
This cause is especially meaningful to the LBCTA because Surf For All has provided unforgettable experiences for students in the Life Skills program at Long Beach High School, giving special education students opportunities they would not normally have. Supporting an organization that directly impacts our own students made this year’s fundraising effort particularly special for our members.
Thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of our members, along with the support of our colleagues in the LBSEA and ASPPG, this year’s annual bowling fundraiser was our most successful yet. Through ticket sales, raffles, and donations, we raised an incredible $9,158 for Surf For All, the largest amount the LBCTA has ever raised for a charitable organization. A special thanks to Matt Hartmann & Jenn Maggio for their hard work and dedication in planning this event, as well as our officers who helped make it possible! The LBCTA is grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and helped make this event such a success, and we look forward to continuing our commitment to supporting the Long Beach community in the years ahead.
