NEWS RELEASE SURF DOG RICOCHET LEADS A "SURFIN' SANTA PAWS TOY DRIVE FOR KIDS & KRITTERS" TO BENEFIT RADY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL & HELEN WOODWARD ANIMAL CENTER!

SAN DIEGO, CA, November 29, 2010... Surf dog Ricochet, the SURFice dog who wins surf dog contests, but more notably raised over $55,000 for charity this past year, is now leading a holiday toy drive to benefit children, and animals in San Diego. She traded her life jacket for a Santa jacket, and will be arriving at Del Mar dog beach via surfboard on December 1st at 10am.

Ricochet is very excited about this second annual project, as it combines her love of helping both children and animals. The beneficiaries of her toy drive are Rady Children's Hospital, and Helen Woodward Animal Center where she was the top fundraiser at this past summer's surf dog surf-a-thon.  Last year, her toy drive generated donations from all over the world in connection with her inspirational video "From Service dog to SURFice dog", that went viral on YouTube. As a result, over $3550 in donations were raised, and 638 children received toys for the holidays.  She is hoping to raise even more this year!

Each year, thousands of children visit Rady Children's Hospital facilities and a donation of a toy, game, or arts and crafts supplies can go a long way towards brightening a child's stay in the hospital or a visit to a clinic.

Helen Woodward Animal Center is a dynamic, evolving institution that is an agent of change for the animal welfare world.  They use toys for their animals as a way to offer enrichment while they journey to find their forever homes.

Donors can choose if they'd like to make a donation for a kid toy, or a kritter toy... or both! 

Ricochet is accepting tax deductible online donations toward toys through December 17th.  She will then go shopping to purchase toys for the kids and kritters!  In addition, local drop boxes will be provided by her sponsor, SanDiegoSunCoast.com. Toys can also be mailed to: SanDiegoSunCoast.com, Surfin' Santa Paws Toy Drive, PO Box 6765, San Diego, CA 92166.  Visit Ricochet's website for complete information on donations, beneficiaries, drop box locations, and more.  There is also a video of Ricochet AKA Surfin' Santa paws surfin to town! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKWf0_M34EU

For more information, contact Judy Fridono at 707-228-0679 or pawinspired@aol.com.

About Surf Dog Ricochet, the SURFice dog

Ricochet is an internationally renowned champion surf dog who was slated to be a service dog for a person with a disability, but, due to her interest in chasing prey, she had to be released from that role.  An inspirational video of her journey, "From Service dog to SURFice dog" went viral on YouTube, and has almost 3 million views. She immediately turned the video's attention into a platform of helping others by pawing it forward while raising funds and awareness for human/animal causes.  She's become an inspirational phenomenon, motivational role model, internet sensation, fundraising marvel, goodwill ambassador, and a muse to millions! She promotes kindness, charity, philanthropy, and social responsibility, such as her video about anti-bullying "It gets better: You're amazing just the way you are!" 

For more information, visit: http://www.SurfDogRicochet.com or on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/SurfDogRicochet

About SanDiegoSunCoast.com

SanDiegoSunCoast.com is fast becoming the #1 online destination by both locals and visitors when it comes to San Diego County coastal cities, beaches and bay! Visually gorgeous, the SanDiegoSunCoast.com website offers 100's of things to do along and around our 77 mile coastline, as well as an Event Calendar featuring events both big and small. Visitors love our unbiased reviews and recommendations, and in-depth coverage of every beach in the county! SanDiegoSunCoast.com is on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SanDiegoBeach, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/SanDiegoBeach. Follow us for fabulous contest giveaways provided by some of the best businesses along our shores!

Rady Children's Hospital http://www.rchsd.org/
Helen Woodward Animal Center http://www.animalcenter.org/