Update August 17: from the Island Free Press

http://www.islandfreepress.org/2010Archives/08.16.2010-HatterasIslanderWillRun50MilesToRaiseMoneyForBeachAccessAndCancerPatients.html

Bob Spangler, Hatteras Island resident, has challenged himself to run 50 miles on Friday, November 26, 2010. (Date subject to change due to weather.) The run will begin at the south end of the Oregon Inlet Bridge and end at the Hatteras Ferry Docks.  Bob's goal in attempting this grueling effort is twofold.  First, he wants to use this as an opportunity to increase public awareness of the fight to maintain access to the beaches within the seashore.  Secondly, he hopes to raise donations for two of his favorite charities. Bob has issued a challenge to the residents and visitors of Hatteras Island to donate $1.00 per mile completed, to be equally divided between the Outer Banks Preservation Association (OBPA) and the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation.

The motivation to Bob in his own words:

"Although I'm not a native to this island, I've vacationed here for almost 30 years.  Seven years ago I moved to Avon and now call this my home.  In the past few years, I've seen the burdens placed on the residents and visitors of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands by the excessive and unwarranted beach closures enacted by the U.S. Government's Department of Interior agencies at the urging of environmental groups. Unfortunately, our cries of injustice have fallen on deaf or uncaring ears.  These groups do not care about the traditional values so important to visitors and residents, and don't care about us or our families.  Litigation, with all of its massive costs, seems to be our only hope.  We all should be helping the best way we can to fight these unconscionable groups and their ridiculous actions."

If you accept Bob's challenge, make your pledge on www.obpa.org, or print and complete the form below.  On the day of the run, you can follow Bob's progress on-line at, or Frank and Fran's website - www.Hatteras-island.com.  At the end of the run, you will be able to fulfill your pledge by either mailing a check to: OBPA, PO Box 1355, Buxton, NC  27920 or by Paypal at www.obpa-nc.org/. Use the OBPA donations button on its website.  (OBPA is a 501(c)(3) not-for profit corporation.  Donations are tax deductible)

"I'll do my best to complete the training and the run.  Will you please help fight those who wish to remove us from our island?"

Name: ________________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

City: ___________________________________State______________ Zip__________________

Pledge Amount: $___________________

Email Address: _____________________________________________________________