Surge board members Tom Nesbitt and John Chuck were teaching family practice residents in the Ellison Building on the UC Davis Medical Center campus one fine spring day in 2003.  As they stared out a window onto the former Life Flight helicoptor landing area, Tom said "Wouldn't it be neat if we pitched a tent over there and held a food and wine fundraising event for all the people who want to support The Surge but don't play golf?"  It was quickly decided that the event should support safety net clinics in the greater Sacramento region, including those managed by the UC Davis medical students.  One year later the first Spring Break fundraiser for free clinics was held under a big white tent and raised over $100,000.