Skatepark Insider, Spring 2013

The Tony Hawk Foundation provides guidance and funding for public skateparks.

5/23/13 (Oceanside, CA) – Beginning today, skatepark advocates across the country will be typing like mad to complete their applications for Tony Hawk Foundation skatepark grants before the July 1 deadline. New skatepark projects that will serve at-risk youth in low-income communities are eligible to apply for awards of up to $25,000. Full details and the online application are available on the foundation’s Web site at www.tonyhawkfoundation.org.

Having awarded more than 500 grants since 2002 to skatepark projects in all 50 states, the Tony Hawk Foundation has seen 80% of the skateparks its helped fund open and begin serving almost 13,000 youth daily. In addition to its domestic Grant Program, the Tony Hawk Foundation has also provided critical Technical Assistance to thousands of skatepark projects around the world. In many instances, the foundation’s Technical Assistance has helped communities avoid costly mistakes and delays. Tony Hawk Foundation staff assisted over 1,000 communities in 2012 alone.

Many of the Tony Hawk Foundation’s successes are documented in the new edition of Skatepark Insider, the foundation’s newsletter, which includes a feature on the groundbreaking Wounded Knee 4-Directions Toby Eagle Bull Memorial Skatepark in Pine Ridge, South Dakota that received a THF grant in 2011. To receive a copy of Skatepark Insider in the mail, send your name and mailing address to Lily Schwimmer at lily@tonyhawkfoundation.org. Or click here to see it online.

The application for Summer 2013 Tony Hawk Foundation Grants is currently live. Information on applicant eligibility can be found on the Grant Application page at www.tonyhawkfoundation.org/skatepark-grants/apply/. Applications must be completed online by midnight, July 1, 2013. This will be the last opportunity to apply for a Tony Hawk Foundation grant this year.

Individuals interested in getting a skatepark project started in their communities should being by reading the Tony Hawk Foundation’s Getting Started Guide at www.tonyhawkfoundation.org/faq/ and contacting THF staff at contact@tonyhawkfoundation.org.

ABOUT THE TONY HAWK FOUNDATION
A charitable, non-profit organization, the Tony Hawk Foundation was established in 2002 by its namesake, professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, to promote and provide funds for high-quality public skateparks in low-income areas throughout the United States—with an emphasis on the word “quality.” Since then, the Foundation has awarded $4,429,000 to 529 communities in all 50 States. The Foundation focuses on working with local officials and grassroots, community-based organizations that plan to hire designers and contractors with strong experience designing and building skateparks.

The Tony Hawk Foundation was established by a gift from Tony Hawk. Its directors raise additional funds through events, donations, and continuing contributions from Tony and other entities. In addition to skateparks, the Foundation also makes donations to other children-related charities, as chosen by its Board Of Directors. For more information or to make a donation, visit the Foundation’s Web site at www.tonyhawkfoundation.org. You can also visit THF on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/tonyhawkfoundation, on Pinterest and Twitter @THawkFoundation, and on Instagram @tonyhawkfoundation.

Motor City skaters get help from Tony Hawk Foundation to rebuild their neighborhood.

Phase I of Ride It Sculpture Park attracting visitors to the North Central Detroit neighborhood. Photo courtesy Power House Productions.

3/27/13 (Oceanside, CA) – The Ride It Sculpture Park began as a renegade attempt to bring life back to a withering Detroit community by building a skatepark. But the skaters and artists responsible for it have proven the effectiveness of their efforts, and now have the backing of the Tony Hawk Foundation to continue expanding what has become a shining example of the Motor City’s renaissance.

Attracting nationwide press and accolades for the impact it’s had in North Central Detroit, Ride It Sculpture Park is part of an effort by the nonprofit Power House Productions to develop an artists’ colony and help reverse the trend that’s seeing entire neighborhoods abandoned and blighted. With several adjacent homes housing artists and studio space, the expanding skatepark will weave between, and even through, several of the structures. The Power House Neighborhood, as it’s become known, has attracted visitors and visiting artists from around the world.

The vision and impact of the project were clear to the Tony Hawk Foundation Board Of Directors, which this month voted to award Ride It Sculpture Park $30,000 (which includes a $5,000 personal contribution from THF Board Member Kevin Rose). The funds will help continue the construction of the sprawling skatescape along East Davison Street, which has already become an attraction for local youth.

“Being recognized by the Tony Hawk Foundation, a name synonymous with the highest level of the sport, is a point of pride for the neighborhood,” said Mitch Cope, Co-Director of Power House Productions. “These kids just can’t believe it.

“Ride It Sculpture Park has always been a very personal project for us, in part because it mixes aspects of our youth that were such big influences—skateboarding and art—and also because it has the greatest potential for impact in our neighborhood of any of the projects we’ve done. It’s a focal point for creative, social activity that is free and open to all.”

Site of the Ride It Sculpture Park, pre- and post-cleanup. Photo courtesy Power House Productions.

“We’re proud to support the Ride It Sculpture Park,” said Tony Hawk. “It’s exactly the type of grassroots effort that we hope to see more of in cities like Detroit. I know the surrounding communities will appreciate the positive impact the skatepark project will have.”

The Detroit award was part of a series of grants issued this month by the THF Board Of Directors. Other recipients include similarly inspiring skatepark projects in New Orleans, Louisiana; Boise, Idaho; and Ketchikan, Alaska, among others. In total, the THF Board Of Directors awarded $115,000 to eleven projects in ten States, contributing to the more than $4.4-million the foundation has invested in skatepark projects since 2002.

In addition to Skatepark Grants, the Tony Hawk Foundation provides Technical Assistance to help communities work through the process of developing quality, concrete public skateparks. So, along with the cash to help them build their parks, the newest THF Grant Recipients can also look forward to practical help in working through the remaining stages of their projects.

“I don’t want to oversimplify the problems our city faces,” said Detroit’s Mitch Cope. “But having this kind of support for a project we believe has the potential to be transformational is huge—for the community and the city as a whole.”

Winter 2013 Tony Hawk Foundation Skatepark Grant Recipients

Detroit, Michigan (Power House Productions) $30,000
Ketchikan, Alaska (Ketchikan Youth Initiatives) $15,000
Winterset, Iowa (Friends Of The Winterset Area Skate Park) $10,000
Boise, Idaho (Boise Parks and Recreation) $10,000
New Orleans, Louisiana (Black Forest Fancies) $10,000
Brockton, Massachusetts (City of Brockton) $10,000
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin (City of Sturgeon Bay) $10,000
Brisbane, California (City of Brisbane) $5,000
Cave Junction, Oregon (Youth Empowerment and Support) $5,000
Lebanon, Oregon (Lebanon Skatepark Committee) $5,000
Seguin, Texas (City of Seguin) $5,000

ABOUT THE TONY HAWK FOUNDATION
A charitable, non-profit organization, the Tony Hawk Foundation was established in 2002 by its namesake, professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, to promote and provide funds for high-quality public skateparks in low-income areas throughout the United States—with an emphasis on the word “quality.” Since then, the Foundation has awarded $4,429,000 to 529 communities in all 50 States. The Foundation focuses on working with local officials and grassroots, community-based organizations that plan to hire designers and contractors with strong experience designing and building skateparks.

The Tony Hawk Foundation was established by a gift from Tony Hawk. Its directors raise additional funds through events, donations, and continuing contributions from Tony and other entities. In addition to skateparks, the Foundation also makes donations to other children-related charities, as chosen by its Board Of Directors. For more information or to make a donation, visit the Foundation’s Web site at www.tonyhawkfoundation.org. You can also visit THF on facebook at www.facebook.com/tonyhawkfoundation, on Pinterest and Twitter @THawkFoundation, and on Instagram @tonyhawkfoundation.

Tony Hawk Foundation skatepark-grant deadline is February 1.

1/23/13 (Oceanside, CA) – Communities seeking to build public skateparks for their growing number of skateboarders and BMXers have an ally in the Tony Hawk Foundation. And they have until midnight, February 1 to apply for grant funds from the foundation to help build their park.

Twice annually the foundation reviews applications and awards up to $25,000 to qualifying projects. Nonprofit organizations and government agencies working to create free, concrete, public skateparks are eligible to apply, and should review the full list of requirements at www.tonyhawkfoundation.org before completing the application.

This could be YOU--advocacy at work in Vista, California. Sit in and be counted.

The Tony Hawk Foundation has been assisting communities with their public-skatepark projects since 2002, and in the past decade has awarded grants to 512 projects in 50 states. With 423 of those open and serving more than 4.5-million youth annually, THF has helped create about 12 percent of the roughly 3,500 skateparks in the U.S.

Most skaters don’t realize how good they are at advocacy,” says THF Programs Director Peter Whitley. “All of the passion and persistence needed for skateboarding translates perfectly to community activism."

Skatepark projects that either don’t qualify to apply, or that aren’t awarded a grant are still eligible to receive technical assistance from THF—direct consultation that can save skatepark advocates months of work or thousands of dollars in mistakes.

“Most skaters don’t realize how good they are at advocacy,” says THF Programs Director Peter Whitley. “All of the passion and persistence needed for skateboarding translates perfectly to community activism. They just don’t know where to begin. That’s where our technical assistance program comes in.”

Skatepark advocates have until midnight, February 1 to submit their applications for skatepark grants via the foundation’s Web site. Grant awards will be announced later this Spring. To access the grant application, and for more information about the Tony Hawk Foundation, please visit www.tonyhawkfoundation.org.

ABOUT THE TONY HAWK FOUNDATION
A charitable, non-profit organization, the Tony Hawk Foundation was established in 2002 by its namesake, professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, to promote and provide funds for high-quality public skateparks in low-income areas throughout the United States—with an emphasis on the word “quality.” Since then, the Foundation has awarded over $4-million to 512 communities in all 50 States. The Foundation focuses on working with local officials and grassroots, community-based organizations that plan to hire designers and contractors with strong experience designing and building skateparks.

The Tony Hawk Foundation was established by a gift from Tony Hawk. Its directors raise additional funds through events, donations, and continuing contributions from Tony and other entities. In addition to skateparks, the Foundation also makes donations to other children-related charities, as chosen by its Board Of Directors. For more information or to make a donation, visit the Foundation’s Web site at www.tonyhawkfoundation.org. You can also visit THF on facebook at www.facebook.com/tonyhawkfoundation, on Pinterest and Twitter @THawkFoundation, and on Instagram @tonyhawkfoundation.

Tony Hawk and top skaters team up with award-winning recording artists to benefit at-risk youth.

12/14/12 (Los Angeles, CA) – Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk and renowned singer-songwriter and musician Ben Harper just concluded their Boards + Bands auction on eBay Giving Works, with participation and final numbers far surpassing original expectations.

Jamie Thomas' and Bob Dylan's collaboration, which features lyrics to Dylan's "Blowin' In The Wind," set a new record for the most expensive skateboard ever--$38,425. Photo: Jody Morris

A member of the nonprofit Tony Hawk Foundation Board Of Directors, Harper conceived the idea to use pro skaters’ old decks to write song lyrics on to create unique skate/music memorabilia and raise funds to build positive recreational outlets for at-risk youth. Concluding last night, the auction included eight boards whose sales raised over $126,000 for the foundation.

“As a musician, skater, and Board Member of the Tony Hawk Foundation, I am proud to say that the pairing of professional musicians’ lyrics on pro skaters’ hard-ridden boards has been a resounding success,” said Ben Harper, who contributed lyrics to two of the eight decks auctioned. “A huge thank you to all the pro skaters and musicians involved in the first of many Boards + Bands collaborations!”

The chosen recording artists hand wrote their lyrics on the one-of-a-kind skateboards, which included collaborations by Jamie Thomas and Bob Dylan, Mike Vallely and Tom Petty, Bucky Lasek and Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys, Rodney Mullen and Ben Harper, Steve Caballero and James Hetfield of Metallica, Lance Mountain and Jimmy Cliff, Bob Burnquist and Ben Harper, and Tony Hawk and Paul McCartney.

The Boards + Bands auction has inadvertently also produced the world’s most expensive skateboard, the $38,425 Jamie Thomas and Bob Dylan collaboration featuring Dylan’s “Blowin’ In The Wind” lyrics. Other top earners include Bucky Lasek’s and Adam Yauch’s set of four decks featuring the Beastie Boys’ “Bodhisattva Vow” lyrics, which sold for $35,000, and Hawk’s personal board with lyrics to The Beatles’ “Blackbird” by Paul McCartney, fetching $27,116.

Bucky Lasek's and Adam Yauch's set of four boards will help fund a skatepark in New York City, Yauch's hometown. Photos: Jody Morris

“I was excited about the Boards + Bands project, but I had no idea if we could get the level of artists that were being requested,” said Tony Hawk. “They all came through, and the auction exceeded our high expectations. Thanks to everyone involved!”

Funds raised through this effort will benefit the Tony Hawk Foundation, which supports at-risk youth through the creation of public skateparks in low-income communities across the U.S. Proceeds from the Bucky Lasek/Adam Yauch collaboration boards will specifically benefit a skatepark project in New York City. These skateparks are safe, sanctioned places for youth to come together, form communities, and practice the sport they love in a healthy environment. Since 2002, the Foundation has helped to fund 512 public skateparks in 50 states.

All of the skateboards included in the Boards + Bands program are on display at The GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles through Sunday, December 16, 2012.

ABOUT THE TONY HAWK FOUNDATION
A charitable, non-profit organization, the Tony Hawk Foundation was established in 2002 by its namesake, professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, to promote and provide funds for high-quality public skateparks in low-income areas throughout the United States—with an emphasis on the word “quality.” Since then, the Foundation has awarded over $4-million to 512 communities in all 50 States. The Foundation focuses on working with local officials and grassroots, community-based organizations that plan to hire designers and contractors with strong experience designing and building skateparks.

Tony Hawk + Ben Harper at The GRAMMY Museum during the Boards + Bands auction. Photo: Jody Morris

The Tony Hawk Foundation was established by a gift from Tony Hawk. Its directors raise additional funds through events, donations, and continuing contributions from Tony and other entities. In addition to skateparks, the Foundation also makes donations to other children-related charities, as chosen by its Board Of Directors. For more information or to make a donation, visit the Foundation’s Web site at www.tonyhawkfoundation.org. You can also visit THF on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/tonyhawkfoundation, on Twitter @THawkFoundation, and on Instagram @tonyhawkfoundation.

ABOUT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM
Paying tribute to music’s rich cultural history, this one-of-a-kind, 21st-century Museum explores and celebrates the enduring legacies of all forms of music, the creative process, the art and technology of the recording process, and the history of the premier recognition of excellence in recorded music—the GRAMMY Award. The GRAMMY Museum features 30,000 square feet of interactive and multimedia exhibits located within L.A. LIVE, the downtown Los Angeles sports, entertainment and residential district. Through thought-provoking and dynamic public and educational programs and exhibits, guests can experience music from a never-before-seen insider perspective that only The GRAMMY Museum can deliver. For more information, visit the GRAMMY Museum’s Web site at www.grammymuseum.org.

Tony Hawk and top skaters team up with award-winning recording artists to benefit at-risk youth.

Tony Hawk and Ben Harper presented the Boards + Bands exhibit to the media at a special Press Conference on Friday at The GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles, where the boards are on display. Photo: Jody Morris

December 10, 2012 – LOS ANGELES – What do pro skaters do with the boards they skate and destroy? They turn them into skateparks. Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk and renowned singer-songwriter and musician Ben Harper came together today for a press conference at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles on Friday to discuss a very special project, Boards + Bands (www.BoardsAndBands.org).

A member of the nonprofit Tony Hawk Foundation Board Of Directors, Harper conceived the idea to use pro skaters’ old decks to write song lyrics on and raise funds to build positive recreational outlets for at-risk youth. “I’ve always felt that skateboards are one of the best canvases for art, and noticed that wear and tear only made them look cooler,” said Harper. “I was at Tony’s place and saw a note that a friend of Tony’s had written on a board that had been skated. And being a musician and a skater, it just seemed obvious.”

The Boards + Bands fundraising initiative merges the worlds of skateboarding and music to benefit the work of the Tony Hawk Foundation. Hawk invited a select group of professional skateboarders to donate their personally ridden skateboards and submit the name of their favorite songs. Harper then sent those boards on to the appropriate artists with one simple message: “Please write the lyrics to this skater’s favorite song on his skateboard, and we’ll use it to create more skateparks for kids.”

The chosen recording artists have hand-written the lyrics on these one-of-a-kind skateboards, which are being auctioned at www.BoardsAndBands.org. The skaters and artists who have collaborated include Bucky Lasek and Adam Yauch, Rodney Mullen and Ben Harper, Jamie Thomas and Bob Dylan, Mike Vallely and Tom Petty, Steve Caballero and Metallica, Bob Burnquist and Ben Harper, Lance Mountain and Jimmy Cliff, and Tony Hawk and Paul McCartney.

X Games Champion Bucky Lasek and the Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch teamed up early this year to create this set of boards. Yauch Passed away shortly after completing them, and proceeds from the boards will benefit a skatepark in his hometown of New York City. Photo: Jody Morris

“This is literally a dream come true,” said Hawk. “When Ben Harper first approached me with the idea, I was skeptical because the list of musicians requested was legendary. But they came through, proving that skateboarding’s reach is even broader than we imagined.”

Funds raised through this effort will benefit the Tony Hawk Foundation, which supports at-risk youth through the creation of public skateparks in low-income communities across the U.S. Proceeds from the Bucky Lasek/Adam Yauch collaboration boards will specifically benefit a skatepark project in New York City. These skateparks are safe, sanctioned places for youth to come together, form communities, and practice the sport they love in a healthy environment. Since 2002, the Foundation has helped to fund 512 public skateparks in 50 states.
The Boards + Bands auction will close Thursday, December 13 at 7 PM (PST).

All of the skateboards included in the Boards + Bands program are on display during this special auction at The GRAMMY Museum at LA Live: 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015 (corner of Olympic and Figueroa). Museum hours, admission, and other information can be found at www.grammymuseum.org, or by calling (213) 765-6800.

Tony Hawk and Ben Harper took questions from the media during the Press Conference at The GRAMMY Museum. Photo: Jody Morris

ABOUT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM
Paying tribute to music’s rich cultural history, this one-of-a-kind, 21st-century Museum explores and celebrates the enduring legacies of all forms of music, the creative process, the art and technology of the recording process, and the history of the premier recognition of excellence in recorded music—the GRAMMY Award. The GRAMMY Museum features 30,000 square feet of interactive and multimedia exhibits located within L.A. LIVE, the downtown Los Angeles sports, entertainment and residential district. Through thought-provoking and dynamic public and educational programs and exhibits, guests can experience music from a never-before-seen insider perspective that only The GRAMMY Museum can deliver. For more information, visit the GRAMMY Museum’s Web site at www.grammymuseum.org.

Top skaters team up with Grammy Award-winning recording artists to benefit at-risk youth.

11/16/12 (Los Angeles, CA) – What do pro skaters do with the boards they skate and destroy? They recruit the help of friends like Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Adam Yauch, and they turn them into skateparks.

Paul McCartney penned the lyrics to The Beatles' "Blackbird" and signed Tony Hawk's personally ridden skateboard. This and other amazing collaborations are available in the Boards + Bands auction. Photo: Miki Vuckovich

Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk and Grammy Award-winning musician Ben Harper have invited their friends in the skate and music worlds to join them for the very special Boards + Bands project (www.BoardsAndBands.org). A member of the nonprofit Tony Hawk Foundation Board Of Directors, Harper conceived the idea to use pro skaters’ old decks to write song lyrics on and raise funds to build positive recreational outlets for at-risk youth.

These special collaboration skateboards will be available in a celebrity auction launching December 3 on eBay, and will be on display through the end of the auction at the GRAMMY Museum in downtown Los Angeles, California.

“Skating and music have always been inseparably connected on a soul level,” said Harper. “For me, listening to great music evokes the same emotional connection as watching great skating. And the feeling that comes from playing music is the same feeling I get from skating. The backbone of skating is the board—the backbone of music are the lyrics. If I had to choose between Beethoven’s piano painted by Da Vinci or Tony Hawk’s ridden skateboard with Paul McCartney’s lyrics to Blackbird … You don’t want to know which I’d choose.”

Adam Yauch wrote the lyrics to the Beastie Boys' "Bodhisattva Vow" across three of X Games Champion Bucky Lasek's skateboards, and illustrated a fourth board. Photo: Miki Vuckovich.

The Boards + Bands fundraising initiative merges the worlds of skateboarding and music to benefit the work of the Tony Hawk Foundation. Hawk invited a select group of professional skateboarders to donate their personally ridden skateboards and submit the name of their favorite songs. Harper then sent those boards on to the appropriate artists with one simple message: “Please write the lyrics to this skater’s favorite song on his skateboard, and we’ll use it to create more skateparks for kids.”

The chosen recording artists have hand-written the lyrics on these one-of-a-kind skateboards. Included in this unprecedented auction are board collaborations by the following artists and skaters: Adam Yauch and Bucky Lasek; Ben Harper and Rodney Mullen; Bob Dylan and Jamie Thomas; Tom Petty and Mike Vallely; Jimmy Cliff and Lance Mountain; Metallica and Steve Caballero; Ben Harper and Bob Burnquist; and Paul McCartney and Tony Hawk.

“This is literally a dream come true,” said Hawk. “When Ben first approached me with the idea, I was skeptical because the list of musicians requested was legendary. But they came through, proving that skateboarding’s reach is even broader than we imagined.”

Among the boards is a set of four decks that Adam Yauch used to meticulously stylize the lyrics to the Beastie Boys’ Bodhisattva Vow. Undergoing treatment for cancer at the time, Yauch completed the boards shortly before he passed away this Spring.

Funds raised through this effort will benefit the Tony Hawk Foundation, which supports at-risk youth through the creation of public skateparks in low-income communities across the U.S. These skateparks are safe, sanctioned places for youth to come together, form communities, and practice the sport they love in a healthy environment. Since 2002, the Foundation has helped to fund 512 public skateparks in 50 states.

Tom Petty drew a self portrait on skate legend Mike Vallely's board, which also includes lyrics to "I Won't Back Down." Photo: Jody Morris

The Boards + Bands skateboards will be on display at the GRAMMY Museum from December 3, 2012 through the close of the auction on December 13.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Tony Hawk Foundation as the worlds of music and skateboarding continue to merge,” said Rita George, Deputy Director of the GRAMMY Museum. “The caliber of artists and skaters who are participating in the Boards + Bands project is incredible, and we’re excited to showcase their boards in our museum.”

The GRAMMY Museum is located in the L.A. Live district at 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015. Museum hours, admission, and other information can be found at www.grammymuseum.org, or by calling (213) 765-6800. All of the artists participating in the Boards + Bands program are Grammy Award winners.

For more information about this unique auction, please visit www.BoardsAndBands.org. Or contact Lily Schwimmer: lily@tonyhawkfoundation.org, (760) 477-2479.

About The Tony Hawk Foundation
A charitable, non-profit organization, the Tony Hawk Foundation was established in 2002 by its namesake, professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, to promote and provide funds for high-quality public skateparks in low-income areas throughout the United States—with an emphasis on the word “quality.” Since then, the Foundation has awarded over $4-million to 512 communities in all 50 States. The Foundation focuses on working with local officials and grassroots, community-based organizations that plan to hire designers and contractors with strong experience designing and building skateparks.

About The GRAMMY Museum
Paying tribute to music's rich cultural history, this one-of-a-kind, 21st-century Museum explores and celebrates the enduring legacies of all forms of music, the creative process, the art and technology of the recording process, and the history of the premier recognition of excellence in recorded music—the GRAMMY Award. The GRAMMY Museum features 30,000 square feet of interactive and multimedia exhibits located within L.A. LIVE, the downtown Los Angeles sports, entertainment and residential district. Through thought-provoking and dynamic public and educational programs and exhibits, guests can experience music from a never-before-seen insider perspective that only The GRAMMY Museum can deliver. More at www.grammymuseum.org.

Legendary skate team comes together for a special reunion benefiting the Tony Hawk Foundation.

"Coach" Stacy Peralta (left) with the Original Bones Brigade: Rodney Mullen, Steve Caballero, Tony Hawk, Mike McGill, Lance Mountain, and Tommy Guerrero. The legendary team reunites for a special session to benefit THF. (Photo courtesy of Powell-Peralta)

11/5/12 (Southern California) – The legendary Bones Brigade skateboard team of the 1980s will re-unite to ride together, and 20 lucky Guests will join them for the skate session of a lifetime.

Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, Lance Mountain, Mike McGill, Tommy Guerrero, and Rodney Mullen will converge at an exclusive Southern California location to ride, reminisce, and enjoy the company of the participating Guests. Also present to document the special event will be legendary skate photographer J. Grant Brittain.

With the release of Stacy Peralta’s documentary film, Bones Brigade: An Autobiography, several premium movie packages and opportunities have been offered through www.bonesbrigade.com, but none have approached the magnitude of actually riding with the Original Bones Brigade! And in the true spirit of the event, the filmmakers and all members of the team attending the event are dedicating proceeds to the Tony Hawk Foundation and its mission to bring skateparks to at-risk youth throughout the U.S.

“This will be a great opportunity to skate and hang with our original crew,” says Tony Hawk. “We will be happy to answer questions, take requests, and recite embarrassing Chin quotes, all while helping to build more public skateparks in low-income areas. Thanks to Stacy and the Brigade for furthering our foundation’s mission with this once-in-a-lifetime event.”

An opportunity like this has never been offered before, and the 20 spaces are expected to fill quickly. The event will take place on Saturday, March 2, 2013 in Southern California, and additional dates are not available.

Your opportunity to secure a spot in the Bones Brigade Fantasy Skate Session goes live on November 6, 2012. To join this session of a lifetime, or for more information, visit www.bonesbrigade.com.

The Tony Hawk Foundation was established by a gift from Tony Hawk. Its directors raise additional funds through events, industry donations, and continuing contributions from Tony and other entities. In addition to skateparks, the Foundation also makes donations to other children-related charities, as chosen by its Board of Directors. For more information or to make a donation, visit the Foundation’s Web site at www.tonyhawkfoundation.org. You can also visit THF on facebook at www.facebook.com/tonyhawkfoundation, on Twitter @THawkFoundation, and on Instagram @tonyhawkfoundation.

Action-sports legends and mega-watt celebrities came together to raise money for the 9th-annual Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD Presents Stand Up For Skateparks, benefiting the Tony Hawk Foundation.

10/6/12 (Los Angeles, CA) – To the crowd’s delight, skateboarding legends Tony Hawk, Andy Macdonald, Kevin Staab, Mitchie Brusco, Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins Pastrana, Lincoln Ueda, and BMX icons Jamie Bestwick and Mat Hoffman took command of the Vert Demo with an aerial display the 1,000 guests will not soon forget. Fueling the energy and excitement during the Vert Demo was DJ Z-Trip, whose performance seemed to only take the athletes to greater heights. Following the Vert Demo was a special live musical performance by the platinum-selling alternative-rock band, Jimmy Eat World. The action-packed event all came together in an effort to raise funds to build free, quality public skateparks for youth in low-income communities.

Jon Favreau and Jason Lee discuss why they support the Tony Hawk Foundation. Photo: Ryan Young

The Tony Hawk Foundation put on yet another entertaining, star-studded event, including some of the biggest names in entertainment and action sports. The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD Presents Stand Up For Skateparks benefit was held at the Green Acres Estate in sunny Beverly Hills, California on Sunday. The family-friendly event, now in its ninth year, raised $979,000, including $27,000 to help build a skatepark in the Los Angeles community of San Pedro, where youth have rallied around the project.

Those who came out to enjoy the festivities in support of the Tony Hawk Foundation include Jon Favreau, Jason Lee, Shaun White, Chuck Liddell, Bill Walton, Fred Durst, Michael Rapaport, Leeza Gibbons, Willie Garson, J.R. Martinez, Lindsey Berg, Chris Harrison, Nyjah Huston, Mike “Rooftop” Escamilla, Robert Trujillo, Edwin Moses, Holly Robinson Peete, A.C. Green, David Spade, Marisa Quinn, Lou Wegner, Jason Ellis, Nate Mendel, and Mike Vallely.

Tony Hawk spins a 540 during the Vert Demo. Photo: Jody Morris

“Every year we try to make the Stand Up For Skateparks event bigger and better while raising funds for the Foundation, and we definitely accomplished that this year more than ever," said Tony Hawk. "It is always refreshing to see the enthusiasm from top athletes, celebrities, sponsors and attendees who support the Foundation’s mission to provide free, quality skateparks in low-income communities. It makes a tremendous impact in kids’ lives, and I am truly grateful for their support.”

Aside from the mind-blowing Vert Demo and stellar musical performances, the family-centric event included interactive games for kids of all ages, great food, and a live and silent auction with one-of-a-kind items. Some of the unique auction items included: a “Hawkized” 2012 Triumph Bonneville T100 110th Anniversary Edition motorcycle customized by Roland Sands Design; a 2013 Tony Hawk Edition Ford Explorer customized by Galpin Auto Sports and DUB; Diamond Resorts Cabo Azul vacation with private jet; a Red Hot Chili Peppers autographed Fender Guitar; a Shaun White autographed Burton Snowboard; Shepard Fairey Iggy Pop screen print; an Aerosmith autographed drumhead; on-set experiences for shows such as ‘The Voice’, ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’, ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ with Gordon Ramsay, and ‘Extra TV’ with Mario Lopez; once-in-a-lifetime vacation packages; a Kelly Slater autographed Channel Islands surfboard; and a Jam Session with Ben Harper.

Tony Hawk high-fives youth from from San Pedro, CA on the Red Carpet. Photo: Jody Morris

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD Presents Stand Up For Skateparks was Co-Chaired by Tony Hawk and accomplished actor, comedian, and skateboarder Jason Lee. Other Benefit Committee members include Andre Agassi, Ron Burkle, Chantal and Stephen J. Cloobeck, Jamie Lee Curtis, Patrick Dempsey, Jon Favreau, Etty and Perry Farrell, Leeza Gibbons, Robin and Danny Greenspun, Ben Harper, Mat Hoffman, Bobby Kotick, Chuck Liddell, Howie Mandel, Sal Masekela, Lance Mountain, Christian Slater, Mike Vallely, Mark Wahlberg, Lori and Bill Walton, and Shaun White.

The Tony Hawk Foundation launched its Stand Up For Skateparks fundraiser in 2004 with a mission to help empower at-risk youth through the creation of free, quality, public skateparks in low-income communities across the U.S. The organization just celebrated the funding of over 500 skateparks. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD Presents Stand Up For Skateparks was made successful through the generosity and support of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD, Bravo Sports, Dynacraft, Kohl’s, Mondrian Los Angeles, Nixon, olloclip, Quiksilver Foundation, SIGG, Sweetwater Video, The Yucaipa Companies, and RIDE Channel (a 24-hour channel devoted to skateboarding and its lifestyle, produced by 900 Films in partnership with YouTube).

VIDEO: See how support from the Tony Hawk Foundation has enriched the lives of youth in Long Beach, California: http://youtu.be/gyzcdmmRWi0

The Tony Hawk Foundation was established by a gift from Tony Hawk. Its directors raise additional funds through events, industry donations, and continuing contributions from Tony and other entities. In addition to skateparks, the Foundation also makes donations to other children-related charities, as chosen by its Board of Directors. For more information or to make a donation, visit the Foundation’s Web site at www.tonyhawkfoundation.org. You can also visit THF on facebook at www.facebook.com/tonyhawkfoundation, on Twitter @THawkFoundation, and on Instagram @tonyhawkfoundation.

Renowned music acts will combine with top skate and BMX pros to create ultimate action-sports experience.

9/19/12 (Vista, CA) – Internationally celebrated platinum-selling alternative-rock band Jimmy Eat World will be headlining this year’s 9th-Annual Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD Presents Stand Up For Skateparks event, along with world-renowned DJ Z-Trip. The family-oriented event is hosted by the Tony Hawk Foundation in support of its mission to create free, quality, public skateparks for at-risk youth throughout the U.S.

Jimmy Eat World joins Tony Hawk and other action-sports stars at the 9th-annual Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD Presents Stand Up For Skateparks benefit, October 7, 2012 in Beverly Hills.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD Presents Stand Up For Skateparks benefit will take place on Sunday, October 7, 2012 at Green Acres Estate in Beverly Hills, California. The action-sports extravaganza will include cool games, delicious food, and both live and silent auctions with one-of-a-kind items and experiences. There will also be an exciting Vert Demo with Tony Hawk and skateboarding legends Andy Macdonald, Pierre-Luc Gagnon “PLG”, Mitchie Brusco, Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins Pastrana, Lincoln Ueda and BMX icon Jamie Bestwick riding Hawk’s personal ramp. As a performer, Z-Trip is revered by fans and peers as one of the best live performance DJs in history. His lengthy career has seen him crisscross the globe numerous times, chalking up rave reviews along the way. A private performance by Jimmy Eat World will be the icing on the cake at this exclusive fundraising event.

“Developing public parks for kids to go outside, be creative and have fun skating is such a positive mission,” said Jimmy Eat World. “We are excited and honored to be a part of the 2012 Stand Up For Skateparks benefit.”

Jimmy Eat World joins a notable list of Tony Hawk Foundation supporters who’ve performed at previous Stand Up for Skateparks events, including The Black Keys, Ben Harper, blink 182, Jane’s Addiction, Social Distortion, Rancid, Pennywise, and X.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD Presents Stand Up For Skateparks is Co-Chaired by Tony Hawk and accomplished actor, comedian, and skateboarder Jason Lee. Other Benefit Committee members include Andre Agassi, Ron Burkle, Chantal and Stephen J. Cloobeck, Jamie Lee Curtis, Patrick Dempsey, Jon Favreau, Etty and Perry Farrell, Leeza Gibbons, Robin and Danny Greenspun, Ben Harper, Mat Hoffman, Bobby Kotick, Chuck Liddell, Howie Mandel, Sal Masekela, Lance Mountain, Christian Slater, Mike Vallely, Mark Wahlberg, Lori and Bill Walton, and Shaun White.

“We are honored to have Jimmy Eat World and DJ Z-Trip perform at this year’s Stand Up For Skateparks benefit—they are icons in our culture,” said Tony Hawk. “Jimmy Eat World puts on a fantastic live show, and I am excited to share the experience with our SUFS crowd.”

The Tony Hawk Foundation launched its Stand Up For Skateparks fundraiser in 2004. Its mission is to help empower at-risk youth through the creation of free, quality, public skateparks in low-income communities across the U.S., and the organization just celebrated the funding of over 500 skateparks. Stand Up For Skateparks is made possible through the generosity and support of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD, Bravo Sports, Dynacraft, Kohl’s, Mondrian Los Angeles, Nixon, Quiksilver Foundation, SIGG, Sweetwater Video, The Yucaipa Companies and RIDE Channel (a 24-hour channel devoted to skateboarding and its lifestyle, produced by 900 Films in partnership with YouTube).

Information about the 9th-Annual Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD Presents Stand Up For Skateparks, including tickets and sponsorship opportunities, is available at www.standupforskateparks.org. There you can also view some one-of-a-kind auction items, including signed memorabilia, unique experiences, and much more!

For more information about the benefit and tickets, contact Lily Schwimmer at lily@tonyhawkfoundation.org or (760) 477-2479.

For media inquiries, contact Kelly Reeves at kelly@klrpr.com or (949) 509-1888.

The Tony Hawk Foundation was established by a gift from Tony Hawk. Its directors raise additional funds through events, industry donations, and continuing contributions from Tony and other entities. In addition to skateparks, the Foundation also makes donations to other children-related charities, as chosen by its Board of Directors. For more information or to make a donation, visit the Foundation’s Web site at www.tonyhawkfoundation.org. You can also visit THF on facebook at www.facebook.com/tonyhawkfoundation, on Twitter @THawkFoundation, and on Instagram @tonyhawkfoundation.

Tony Hawk Foundation shows Savannah and Philly some love.

8/27/12 (Vista, CA) – Skateparks are a valuable public investment, and never has that been more apparent than during the current economic recession. They’re relatively inexpensive to build, and a well-built concrete skatepark can stand for many years before significant renovations are necessary.

The considerable longevity of skateparks was most clearly demonstrated this year when the infamous Derby Skatepark in Santa Cruz, California (built in 1977) received its first facelift after 35 years of continuous use. The tremendous value of skatepark investments was also underscored as new skateparks continued to open in communities across the country—including six Tony Hawk Foundation grant recipients, from Oregon to New York.

Thanks to some deft advocacy, Philadelphia will soon be graced by the world-class Paine's Park skate plaza.

Not only are concrete skateparks relatively inexpensive to create, they are among the least expensive to operate, requiring neither staffing nor regular maintenance. And for the 3,500 communities across the U.S. that have skateparks, they are typically their most popular recreational attraction. Just build, and they will come.

This summer, about 200 current skatepark projects sought assistance from the Tony Hawk Foundation, receiving significant guidance and input on their efforts. And from the dozens that applied for funding from THF, seven stellar projects were chosen by the THF Board of Directors to receive grant awards.

Among the top grant recipients are the ambitious efforts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Savannah, Georgia.

Long known for its strong skate scene and legendary spots, Philadelphia is also home to some of the most sophisticated skatepark advocacy on the planet. Groups like the Franklin’s Paine organization have been working on behalf of skaters in Philly for more than a decade, and their unwavering push to promote skateboarding has resulted in the Paine’s Park Project—a massive riverfront plaza whose skateability will be only slightly camouflaged by its inspired architecture and grand landscaping when it’s completed in Spring 2013.

Advocates in Savannah have been working hard for eight years to build a public skatepark, and with the group’s ability to secure the support of THF and fashion guru Marc Jacobs, the project is finally gaining momentum. Expected to open in 2013, the Savannah Skatepark will be a 20,000-square–foot bowl-and-street paradise in a region lacking such ambitious concrete examples.

SUMMER 2012 TONY HAWK FOUNDATION GRANT RECIPIENTS

Savannah, Georgia ($25,000)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ($25,000)
Madison, Wisconsin ($10,000)
Seymour, Connecticut ($5,000)
Salisbury, Maryland ($5,000)
Ava, Missouri ($5,000)
St. Louis, Missouri ($5,000)

With 6.6-million skateboarders across the U.S., there is still a great need for more safe, sanctioned places to skate. Youth today are moving away from traditional team sports and seeking the excitement of individual sports like skateboarding. The Tony Hawk Foundation has been working with communities across the country since 2002 to help make their dreams of a quality skatepark a reality.

The next deadline to apply for a Tony Hawk Foundation skatepark grant is February 1, 2013. For application criteria and other information, visit www.tonyhawkfoundation.org.

A charitable, non-profit organization, the Tony Hawk Foundation was established in 2002 by its namesake, professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, to promote and provide funds for high-quality public skateparks in low-income areas throughout the United States—with an emphasis on the word “quality.” Since then, the Foundation has awarded over $4-million to 512 communities in all 50 states. The Foundation focuses on working with local officials and grassroots, community-based organizations that plan to hire designers and contractors with strong experience designing and building skateparks.

The Tony Hawk Foundation was established by a gift from Tony Hawk. Its directors raise additional funds through events, industry donations, and continuing contributions from Tony and other entities. In addition to skateparks, the Foundation also makes donations to other children-related charities, as chosen by its Board of Directors. For more information or to make a donation, visit the Foundation’s Web site at www.tonyhawkfoundation.org. You can also visit THF on facebook at www.facebook.com/tonyhawkfoundation, on Twitter @THawkFoundation, and on Instagram @tonyhawkfoundation.