Giving out a little inspiration

The first year Debbie McCarron attended a breast cancer awareness event, she cried the whole time.

“I knew I had to do it the following year,” said McCarron, a breast cancer survivor.

In 2002, McCarron started Surf City Tittys, a breast cancer benefit group based in Huntington Beach, to get more people in the community involved in the cause.

“I saw a commercial for these groups while I was undergoing chemotherapy and felt [compelled] to start one, but I was too weak to do the walk at the time,” she said.

The Tittys group will host its second annual Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk kick-off party at 8 p.m. Friday at the Marlin Bar and Grill, to raise money for its participants before the Nov. 21-23 walk.

The event will include music performances by local cover band, Whiskey Tango, and solo acoustic artist, Dan Krikorian, and will feature special “Purple Hooter” cocktails, of which some of the proceeds will also benefit the foundation.

McCarron has been moved by the energy of those involved in the Tittys group. The team purchased surf city tees, and customized them to fit their cause. After having only recruited three walkers in the first year, the group now has 36 participants.

“We’ve had as many as 50 in the past,” McCarron said. “It’s become quite a big deal, and it’s a ton of fun.”

The three-day, 60-mile walk takes place in San Diego and attracts about 6,000 walkers. The Tittys team has raised $51,687 of their $100,000 goal. Friday’s festivities will help them move closer to this goal and will be a bonding experience for new team members.

Mike Tague, lead vocalist of Whiskey Tango, said the event is a personal one for him.

“My sister is also a breast cancer survivor, so I’m really happy and excited to do this event,” he said.

Other Tango-ers are lead guitarist Art Andrew, bassist Mike Baker, drummer Todd Hughes, harmonica player and vocalist Rodney Dudley and singer and percussionist Paula Vasin.

The band is known for its ’50 to 90’s eclectic mix of cover songs, from Eddie Cochran’s “Summertime Blues” to the Violet Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun.”

Diane Jongewaard, owner of the Marlin Bar, said she is thrilled to be a part of this event for a second year and to help raise money to fight breast cancer.

“It was an exciting event, and the survivors were all strong, fabulous women and indeed an inspiration,” she said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Surf City Tittys fundraiser

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday

WHERE: The Marlin Bar & Grill, 16651 Gothard, Suites F & G, Huntington Beach.

INFORMATION: Cost for event is $10; donations are also welcome. For more information about Surf City Tittys, or to make a donation, visit www.the3day.org.