In Loving Memory of Lee Love Ghione

Carrying on the legacy of Lee Love Ghione. A pilar of our Huntington Beach Community!

Diving into Community: How a "Splash" Turned into a Mission of true gratitude and serving our community.

 I first met Lee Love Ghione the end of 2017.

Sometimes you meet someone and the connection is instantaneous—a shared frequency of energy and purpose. As we stood there among the "polar plungers," we became fast friends, bonded by a mutual love for our city and a desire to see this event grow. What started as a fun way to ring in the New Year quickly evolved into a deep commitment to the Splash’s mission as a vital community fundraiser.

From Plunger to Partner

As our friendship grew, so did my involvement with the event. I’ve always believed that the best way to support a cause is to dive in headfirst (pun intended). While the jump into the ocean is the "main event," the real work happens behind the scenes to ensure we are raising the necessary funds for our local beneficiaries. With over 40 years in fundraising experience this event I deep dived and took on the tasks of helping with gathering items!

Seeing the potential to expand our reach, I took on the role of coordinating the online auction and opportunity drawing.

Meeting Lee Love at the Splash wasn't just a chance encounter; it was the start of a partnership dedicated to "The Aloha Spirit" in action. Seeing the community come together to brave the cold for the greater good is a constant reminder of why I love what I do.

Whether you are jumping into the waves with us or bidding from the warmth of your living room, you are a part of this story. The Surf City Splash is a testament to what happens when friends—old and new—decide to make a difference together.

OUR WEEKLY RITUAL

The concept of "adding aloha" is particularly special—it turns the conversation from a personal reflection into a proactive mission to brighten someone else's world. We would both prioritize that heart-centered connection, you might enjoy weaving in a few other variations to those prompts from time to time

The phone call would consist of calling to say we "Love" each other, how was the day going, what is the best part of the day and how we would add aloha to others! 

• Affirmation: Starting with "I love you" sets a foundation of security and warmth.
• Presence: Asking how the day is going keeps you both anchored in each other's current reality.
• Gratitude: Finding the "best part" of the day trains the brain to look for the good, even on tough days.
• Purpose: Deciding how to "add aloha" turns that positive energy into action for others.

I am very grateful to Love for taking the time to support me and always taking the time to support my business, Melissa Murals and so many of us who were in her sphere of influence.

A BIG THANKS TO THOSE A PART OF OUR ANNUAL SPLASH' Matt Liffreing, KC Fockler, Roberta Wynashe Jodi McKay, Denise McCallister, Jeff Whitting and Pt Townend. Love was very grateful for all you di for the SPLASH!

Love was always grateful for all the Mayor and city council making the time to support her endeavors!

I special big thanks to our media friends Kelli Larson with HB Coastla Living and Matt Szabo at The Daily Pilot (La Times)

LOVE FOR LEE LOVE GHIONE IN THE HUNTINGTON BEACH COMMUNITY AND BEYOND!

Lee Love was an ocean loving free spirit and a dog's best friend. I will never forget her. Dave Reynolds

“Love had a zest for living life to its fullest, no matter how she was feeling. From her daily swims and catching waves at the pier, which rejuvenated her spiritually, to reaching out and making new friends, she was a constant fixture in helping make HB a happy place to live. She was always there to help those in need, and she had a heart of gold. She also loved Surfrider. She helped our local Chapter raise thousands of dollars, broadened our outreach, and personally signed up new members while allowing Surfrider to run the Surf City Splash for four years. I will miss her down to earth grit and charm, and that zest, her spirit for life. Keep riding the waves Love.” KC Fockler