Crime & Safety

Love for Loubal Events Come Together

Three upcoming events in honor of Half Moon Bay policeman Dennis Loubal will now raise funds for the Lucile Packard Foundation of Children's Health.

 

What started out as a fundraiser to help a longtime Half Moon Bay policeman pay his medical bills racked up from cancer treatments has now turned into three philanthropic events to raise funds for the Lucile Packard Foundation of Children's Health.

“I certainly do not mind being the 'face' of cancer here on the coastside and bringing attention to the disease, but I don’t feel comfortable accepting donations at this time,” said Dennis Loubal, in a letter addressed to Coastside residents Gabi Jensen, Kelsey Larson, and Marshall Whelen, who organized on his behalf a community group called Love for Loubal to provide support for Loubal and his family.  

Find out what's happening in Half Moon Baywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He writes that he is “absolutely flattered and sincerely humbled" by their outpouring of support for him and his family but while supporting their efforts, would "prefer to divert some attention to cancer education, blood donations or money raised could be passed on to another coastsider with cancer in need or to a cancer based philanthropic organization."

"I certainly have had some expenses in regards to my treatment, but I truly have it better than so many people. I am lucky that I save money, bought extra insurance and have a very supportive group of family, friends and coworkers.”

Find out what's happening in Half Moon Baywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Loubal, 43, was first diagnosed with lymphoma in his leg immediately after the transition from Half Moon Bay Police Department to the Sheriff's Office two years ago. He fought it with chemo, and it was covered through his Sheriff's Office benefits.

However, when the cancer came back from remission, the County informed him that they could no longer cover him because it appeared to be pre-existing from his Half Moon Bay Police Department days and therefore fell under Half Moon Bay’s Workman Comp. In 2011, the City of Half Moon Bay’s insurer, Cities Group, denied his claim.

Loubal is currently in remission and recently returned to work. He says he is doing well, and “fully expects to be part of this community for decades to come, and to harassing another generation of coastside teenagers.”

Still, per his wishes, the organizers behind Love for Loubal are dedicating the events to be “in honor of Dennis, not for him, “ said Larson. "All proceeds from the events will go to Lucile Packard Foundation of Children's Health. Lucile Packard is a wonderful foundation — 100 cents on the dollar go directly to the kids and the hospital's most pressing needs."

The first event, "Love for Loubal's Coastside Club Night,” is Saturday, March 30, at Old Princeton Landing from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. There's a $10 cover charge at the door with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Lucile Packard Foundation of Children's Health. Ten percent of the alcohol sales will be donated as well. "Love for Loubal" wristbands will be sold at the event for $1.

The second event is on Saturday, April 6, at Cameron’s from 1 to 5 p.m. The Cameron's BBQ and auction will include a chance to meet and talk with Loubal, who will also be at the OPL event March 30 with his wife Blythe. Tickets are $15 and include beef briquette, tri-tip, chicken, hot dogs, and salads. Kids are free. Drinks are not included in the ticket price. At 4 p.m. the live auction begins with Steve Bowerman auctioneering off big-ticket items. With more than 30 years of auctioneering experience, Bowerman has volunteered his time free of cost. A silent auction will be hosted throughout the event and wristbands will be for sale as well. There will also be an opportunity to write Loubal a message and have your picture taken for a keepsake photo album for him.

Whelen and Nick Finlen, who run a DJ company called Local Productions, will be providing the music and equipment for the event.

The organizers for the Cameron’s event still need donations for the auction, including gift certificates, baskets, services, and more. So far, here is a list of businesses that have already donated or have committed to donating:

Beach House Hotel - 1 night stay in an Ocean View Junior Suite.

PFX Showroom - $50 gift certificate & glass heart

Bartera - piece of artwork

Oddyssea - $100 gift certificate

Pasta Moon - $75 gift certificate

Mizzu Salon - $100 gift certificate for color by Camille Haight

The Paper Crane - Fragrant Diffuser

La Petite Baleen - Swim Package 

Music Hut - Gift certificate (amt unknown)

Mahrz Salon - Gift certificate (amt unknown) and a gift basket

Ink Spell Books - donation unknown

Spring Mountain Gallery - piece of artwork

The details for the third event have not been finalized but are slated for May 18. The leadership class at Half Moon Bay High School proposed the idea of a Color Run, a unique paint race celebrating healthiness, happiness, individuality, and giving back to the community. “They're very excited to take this project as their own, but I will be available to help facilitate their efforts in any way I can," said Larson. "They would like to open it up to the community.”

Here’s how you can help:

• Save the date and attend the events for March 30 and April 6 and May 18.

• E-mail loveforloubal@gmail.com and let the organizers know if you have any donations, connections, resources, ideas, or are already hosting an event for Dennis Loubal, so they can coordinate and plan accordingly.

• Like the Love for Loubal Facebook page to show your support and receive updates on how to get involved in helping a fellow community member. There is talk of an online donation page being set-up.

Keep up with local news — follow Patch


Sign up for Half Moon Bay Patch’s daily newsletter
"Like” us on Facebook
"Follow” us on Twitter


Want to share your opinions with the communities of the Coastside? Start your
own blog here.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.