Ocean of Hope Gala was a great success!

These photos are from the O2H Gala June 12 in Palos Verdes, Calif. It looks like a great time, doesn't it?

The Lanakila Outrigger Canoe Club hosted the party, organized by O2H team captain Aimee Spector. That's her on the far right, holding up a beer, donated by the Kona Brewing Co. Next to her are teammates Nancy Huh and Dani Hart. Below is team member Tony Hart, the night's bartender.

The gala, which Spector hopes becomes an annual event, brought out local residents as well as paddlers and supporters from all over the South Bay area to enjoy great catered food from Kitchen Harmony, Kona beer and a night of dancing to the tunes of Redondo Beach band Barley Legal.

"We raised over $4,000 in one night," Spector says. "The Sarcoma Alliance is not a big, corporate organization. It does not have major sponsors or huge overhead costs. They rely on grassroots efforts such as the Ocean of Hope to help. 100 percent of the donations we get go directly to helping cancer patients help themselves through education, second opinions and peer networks.

"Being a team member of the Ocean of Hope means working with a great group of paddleboarders and canoe paddlers who give back to the community by dedicating our time to helping others. If you haven't already supported us, and you'd like more information about the Ocean of Hope campaign, the Sarcoma Alliance, or learn about any of the awesome paddlers that are part of the team, please click on our websites. Team members also raise money through fundraising pages on Active.com. You can view these pages and meet team members at www.sarcomaalliance.org/oceanofhope. Click on 'Support the Outrigger Team' or 'Support a Paddleboarder.' The money our team raises through training and racing can help cancer sufferers and survivors find hope, life and some day, a cure."

O2H members will compete at Hennessey's U.S. Paddling Championships July 10 in Redondo Beach and the Catalina Classic Aug. 29 in Manhattan Beach. Come on out!