Theater raising money for lifeguards

Deepa Bharath

It was a connection waiting to be made.

When surfers hit the waves, it’s the men and women in red who look

out for them when things get rough in the water.

So it made perfect sense to Frtiz Duda, owner of Via Lido Plaza,

to donate part of the proceeds from the Sunday Morning Surf Series,

which kicks off on Sunday at Regency Lido Theater, to the Newport

Beach Lifeguards. This is the first series of its kind being promoted

by Via Lido Plaza and the Lido Theater.

The first film premiering this weekend is “Way of Life” by Dana

Morris, which features a style called “smooth surfing,” said Peggy

Fort, event spokeswoman. The 66-minute film features several

professional surfers and has among other things, 8-millimeter

footage, original music from White Buffalo and up-and-coming singer

Kristi Jo, she said.

The series, which will feature other films such as a documentary

titled “Shapemakers,” will run through July 8.

Although the series is primarily being promoted to surfing

enthusiasts, the event hopes to draw a variety of audiences, Fort

said.

“We hope to see families, younger surfers and a wider

cross-section of the general public,” she said.

Newport Beach Fire Chief Tim Riley said the series is expected to

raise about $13,000 for his department.

“We hope to use the money to improve and augment our popular

Junior Lifeguard program,” he said. “We would also like to raise

money to assist the seasonal lifeguards who help us out in large

numbers during the busy summer season.”

Riley said he is thankful to the Duda Foundation for its

thoughtfulness.

“It’s their way of giving back to the community,” he said. “And

it’s a great match too between surfing and our lifeguards. Everyone

benefits from a neat project like this.”