Rell Sunn Aloha Jam

IN THE SERVICE OF THE QUEEN
Hundreds gather to honor Rell Sunn's legacy

November 29, 2009 was a night about Rell Sunn. Hawaii's first woman pro surfer and lifeguard, surfing's female counterpart to Duke Kahanamoku is best known as “The Queen of Makaha” and that evening, over 600 guests gathered at Waimea Valley to raise funds for a bronze statue of Rell on Oahu to perpetuate her royal legacy. In return, they enjoyed musical performances by Cyril Pahinui, Henry Kapono, Kaukahi, Rob Machado, Jake Shimabukoro and Paula Fuga -- even a "chicken-skin moment" when Jan Sunn-Carreira and husband/birthday boy Tony joined all the musicians on stage for the jam. Meanwhile, pros such as Sunny Garcia, Andy Irons, Joel Parkinson, Megan Abubo, Dustin Barca, Fred Patacchia, Pancho Sullivan, Coco Ho, Joel Centeio, Carissa Moore and others donated boards, even a signed Red Bull team blade for a silent auction that took in over $5000.00 alone. Fred Patacchia helped the cause even more by being the high bidder on a special Pat Rawson/ Clark Little, fish/photo board at $4000.00. Thanks to Billabong, Quiksilver, Barefoot Wine, Smart Water, Longboard Lager and the Triple Crown all provided the sponsorship for this event. Also thanks to everyone who helped out and attended to remember Rell. For those who missed it and want to honor the Queen of Makaha with a donation, please go to www.RellSunn.com