Jim Belushi
For nearly five years now, I've been privileged to get to know Phil Regan and understand and witness his dedication to GYLA and its mission. His unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in people's lives through numerous support channels in any walk is (truly/really) inspiring. With Phil's hope and vision, GYLA is becoming a unique support system for simple kindness and positive life change focusing on a better future for all.
I first met Phil as a teenager he was doing some paint work for my folks. We stayed in touch throughout the years were times when we were both single Dads raising our children. Phil has overcome much in life from all his childhood traumas, alcohol abuse he has done one heck of a job raising his kids. Awhile back he shared his GYLA vision with me and I was touched, and said count me in I will happily do my part. I am looking forward to this playing out.
Josh Brolin
Jane & david Brown
My husband, David, and I first met Phil many years ago while his family and ours were attending Calvary Chapel of Santa Barbara. Phil’s kids were surfers and used to surf with my son, Chris. Sadly, in 2019 our son lost his life leaving his family and friends grief-stricken. Chris had enjoyed many years as a professional surfer and then as a commercial diver and he was well loved by both communities. After Chris’ passing, Phil approached us about putting together a memorial T-shirt in memory of Chris. Phil had it on his heart to donate all the proceeds from the shirts to Chris’ daughter, Chloe. We were very grateful for his offer and gave him our blessing! Being well connected in the surf industry, Phil produced a shirt with the collaboration of some of his good friends. A well-known surf photographer donated an amazing image of Chris surfing. Phil’s good friend, Bob Hurley, from Hurley International donated his T shirt printer and 750 T-shirts. The shirts were sold at Chris’ memorial service and came close to selling out yielding over $10,000 for my granddaughter, Chloe. The shirts were absolutely beautiful! They are and were a comfort and a blessing to my family in our time of loss! We are so grateful for good friends like Phil and all who participated in supporting this project!
Chris Ahrens
Several years ago, Phil Regan contacted me about writing his life's story. And what a story it is. Some of Phil's earliest memories are of his father beating his mother. Eventually, Child Protective Services stepped in to place the eight-year-old in foster care. After several failed homes, Phil was sent to a boy's home for emotionally damaged children. There, he flourished until his emancipation two years later. Despite living in the shadow of an extremely wealthy grandfather, Phil faced homelessness. Sleeping in an unlocked car, he turned to alcohol to dull the memories of his upbringing. Upon having his first child, Phil began finding his way. Now, with 40 years of sobriety, four grown children, and a successful painting business, Phil is devoting his life to empowering others to overcome their own obstacles through GYLA (Give Your Life Away), a program he founded. Phil Regan's fascinating story pierces the heart of everyone, especially those facing challenges not of their making but with the potential to destroy them.
I met Phil several years ago when I was on the World Tour of professional surfing. I was at an event in Huntington Beach and Phil's son Spencer who we shared the same sponsor at the time. Phil heard I was in the middle of a family crisis, I had only one small child at the time. I didn’t know Phil and he took it upon himself to reach out to me and said "hey been right where you are, if there’s anything I can do to help you along, I am hear for you." We then started to stay in touch and he would always be there with words of encouragement. When he shared with me the vision he had for GYLA I said your anointed brother, the world needs you! I am excited to see all the lives he will be able to inspire with this undertaking, he’s a good man that loves family.
CJ Hobgood, Professional Surfer
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