FleaHab Invites Community to Tee Off for Sober Living Facility

Three time Mavericks Champion and big wave surfer, Darryl "Flea" Virostko, is teaming up with several other local professional surfers to host the 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament.

To be held at DeLaveaga Golf Course in Santa Cruz, on Monday, Oct. 29, the golf tournament will raise funds for FleaHab, Virostko's non-profit organization that helps recovering addicts replace substance abuse with positive and healthy lifestyle changes, with an emphasis on physical activity—from surfing to tennis to golf.

Read a story about Virostko's own struggle with substance abuse in Surfer Magazine.

For the past two years, FleaHab has been working towards the next phase in its approach to recovery: a safe and sober living facility in Santa Cruz County where participants can actually live during their recovery.

Last month, a fund raising party hosted by the Silicon Valley organization Heart of Technology raised $20,000 for FleaHab, putting them one giant step closer to the goal of securing a house. 

"I'm ready to do it right now, but my board wants to make sure it's the right time, if you jump on it too soon and you're spending money every month it might not pan out," said Virostko. 

Zuumba dance parties and other fundraisers have raised around 30,000, and Virostko predicts being able to start his sober living facility once they've raised around $50,000 or $60,000.

"We want to do at least two or three fundraisers per year, just to create revenue, this is going to be forever you know... We like to do fundraisers that are activities where everybody can benefit and just have a physical and fun time," said Virotsko.

Last year's 1st Annual Golf Tournament was a great success, with 72 people coming out to play. There are still a few spots left for players, and several holes left to be sponsored.

Local businesses who want to sponsor a tee can do so by co-sponsoring a hole for $300, or sponsoring an entire hole for $600. The cart sponsor is still up for grabs, and the company that sponsors will have their company logo on all 18 carts in the tournament.

If you're interested in sponsoring the golf tournament, email: FleaHab@gmail.com.

Tee off is at noon sharp, and following the tournament, guests will have a chance to mix and mingle with the celebrity guests at a reception. Confirmed pro surfers attending the event include: Ken "Skin Dog" Collins, Josh Loya, Jeff Clark, Jason "Ratboy" Collins, Shawn "Barney" Barron, and Bud Freitas.

The tournament also features a raffle draw and prizes for $10.00 Mulligans and closest-to-the-hole for each par-three. All proceeds from the raffle will be going to FleaHab. 

"We've got a lot of great prizes, gear from LRG, Volcom, skateboards, and Quicksilver Watermans collection," said Virotsko.

Tickets to play are $125 per person and include use of a golf cart, box lunch, and reception. Sign up at www.fleahab.org.