Claudio Silva, well known creator of kitefury.com, kiteboarding videographer and self-employed computer consultant

was lofted and severely injured while kiteboarding in Miami, FL, USA last week on New Year's Eve.

Claudio is hospitalized with:

- Paralysis in both legs below the knee
- A broken back
- A skull fracture
- 6 broken ribs among other injuries.

We are hopeful that he will walk again and fully recover but only time will tell.

Claudio’s road to recovery will no doubt be long, and, unfortunately, he has no medical insurance. To help out Claudio and his new wife, Eva, his friends have organized an amazing fundraising event!!

On Saturday January 15th, at 5pm, there will be a Seafood Paella and Sangria cookout at the North Miami home of Master Chef and Kiteboarder Luco Romero.

In addition to delicious food and a great crowd, there will be a raffle and silent auction, all to raise money for Claudio! This benefit/cookout/raffle is shaping up to be a must attend kiteboarding event for all Florida riders! People will be driving in from all over!!

The raffle and auction items are outstanding: kites, clothing, gear, tasty beverages, gorgeous gift baskets, restaurant gift certificates, yoga classes, martial arts classes… And the list is growing!!!

Even if you cannot attend the cookout, you can still buy raffle tickets!! When you send your donation via PayPal or check (see below), just send an extra $5.00 per raffle ticket.

Claudio's kiteboarding video work and commericial DVDs will be digitally projected on the big screen to bring kiteboarding even more into focus at this special event.

Claudio is known for his excellent taste in music and collection which will be played for the enjoyment of all throughout the evening.

Please send donations to the trust account at Bank Of America: Checks should be made out to the order of:

"Lucien Volcy ITF Claudio Silva Medical Expenses"
(Please list "# 005504212551" on the memo line)
Note: ITF = "In Trust For" and mail it to:

Bank Of America
13450 West Dixie Hwy.
North Miami, FL 33161