Jersey Mike’s Subs Pledges $1 Million Over 4 Years to Support USA Surfing

​March 13, 2023  -  Jersey Mike’s Subs Pledges $1 Million Over 4 Years to Support USA Surfing

Believing in the power of surfing to transform lives in and out of the water, Jersey Mike’s Subs, known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, will donate $1 million over four years to USA Surfing – the national organization that launched American surfing’s Olympic debut, is pushing for Paralympic inclusion and supports the next generation of surf talent.
 
USA Surfing Board Member Brian Buckelew, a long time native of the Jersey Shore, expressed immense gratitude for one of the biggest philanthropic gifts in surfing. “One of the most marketable sports – surfing – is being pulled into the forefront by a powerhouse in corporate giving,” said Buckelew. “Having USA Surfing on the same Jersey Mike’s stage as mega-sports like the U.S. Tennis Foundation and NHL, allows more sports fans to know and love surfing.”
 
Jersey Mike’s Founder and CEO Peter Cancro credits his success in business and life to his own participation in sports and having a coach who believed in him.
 
“As a brand founded on the Jersey Shore, supporting USA Surfing was a natural fit,” said Caroline Jones, Senior Vice President, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc. “Through this partnership we are proud to help the sport grow in recognition across the country and help fuel the next generation of surfers.”
 
Fellow New Jersey USA Surfing board member, surfer, and “extreme sport” athlete Darian Boyle knows firsthand the power of sponsorships in fueling progression. “All athletes and sports organization rely on generous, visionary sponsors like Jersey Mike’s who understand the power of sport,” Boyle said. “We are grateful for this support and relationship. Jersey Mike’s gift and partnership will be a game changer for USA Surfing’s mission to advance the sport and all its lifelong lessons and gifts of health and community.”
 
The partnership will help fund support for USA Surfing teams, including training resources and meals for Prime Series events, as well as partner events at locations across the nation.
 
USA Surfing Board Chair Rob Pendergist said Jersey Mike’s existing support for lifeguard competitions on the East Coast creates a great synergy and opportunity to do more to promote ocean safety and bystander emergency response skills and knowledge.
 
The surfboard became a core life-saving tool on beaches around the world, after the “father of surfing” and Olympic Gold Medalist Duke Kahanamoku heroically used his surfboard to rescue eight people after a shipwreck in Newport, Calif. in 1925.
 
“Surfers often find themselves making rescues, given their place in the lineups and knowledge of rip currents and the ocean,” Pendergist said. “For example, a teen in Jersey Mike’s hometown of Manasquan (Cole Deveney) saved three girls just before competing in the Belmar Pro. That’s one of many other rescues made by USA Surfing surfers. I look forward to promoting more education and support for ocean safety, improved lifesaving equipment and bystander rescue knowledge.”
 
Media contacts: kpotvin (at) splashllc (dot) com & andrea (at) usasurfing (dot) org

About USA Surfing
USA Surfing is recognized by the International Surfing Association as the exclusive national federation for surfing in the United States with a mission to advance the sport of surfing in all its disciplines, empower future generations of champions, and share the many benefits of the surfing lifestyle in the United States.
 
About Jersey Mike’s
Jersey Mike’s Subs, with nearly 2,500 locations nationwide, serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread — the same recipe it started with in 1956. Passion for giving in Jersey Mike’s local communities is reflected in its mission statement “Giving…making a difference in someone’s life.” For more information, please visit jerseymikes.com or follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/jerseymikes), Instagram (instagram.com/jerseymikes), and Twitter (twitter.com/jerseymikes.com).