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 Six years into THF, our efforts are now visibly successful. Most of our grant recipients have
completed skateparks in their towns, and we have awarded more than $2.3-million. This money has helped support and partially fund 390 skatepark projects across the U.S., but the most rewarding aspect is seeing the joy on
the faces of kids who realize their years of perseverance have finally paid off. It doesn't take long for cities to realize that their modest skateparks get more use than the local tennis courts or baseball fields. We
are proud to be a part of this process of enlightenment.
 Last Fall our fourth-annual Tony Hawk's Proving Ground Stand Up For Skateparks fundraising event was a huge success. We returned
to Ron Burkle's estate in Beverly Hills, where Me First And The Gimme Gimmes provided the music, and some friends (Shaun White, Andy Macdonald, Bob Burnquist, Jean Postec, Kevin Robinson, and Mat Hoffman) and I rode my
halfpipe. Stand Up For Skateparks was co-chaired by Lance Armstrong, Jimmie Johnson, Leeza Gibbons, Jamie Lee Curtis, David Spade, Jon Favreau, Benicio Del Toro, Mat Hoffman, Shaun White, Robert Kotick, Bob McKnight,
and Ron Burkle, and attended by a host of celebrities--including Sean "Diddy" Combs, Lance Armstrong, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jon Favreau, Leeza Gibbons, David Spade, Ed Helms, Russell Simmons, Michael Rapaport, Holly
Robinson Peete, Kathy Ireland, Stefan Lessard, Trent Reznor, Arsenio Hall, Chris "Big Black" Boykin, Chuck Liddell, and Rashad Evans, among others. Attendees and stars took part in live and silent auctions, and we
raised over $1-million, including $60,500 in pledges for a skatepark in Compton, California. We have plans to make SUFS 2008 even bigger and better, including our first East Coast event in Bridgehampton, New York on August 10.
 The quality of public skateparks is improving and their numbers are growing, but let's not forget where
they are needed most. Low-income areas and cities with too many at-risk kids are often overlooked because of their limited ability to raise funds or a lack of support from civic leaders. The more successful the
foundation is at fundraising, the more we can help these communities.
 My main job at the foundation's biannual grant-application review meetings is to approve and suggest changes to
skatepark designs. But my favorite thing is seeing the parks themselves. I've had the privilege of attending a few grand openings, and the appreciation of the local skaters is overwhelming. It's a blast to see the
finished product, especially when they've taken my design comments into consideration. Even more gratifying is the sense of pride that the locals have when they finally get to ride the fruit of their labor.
 The foundation staff is doing an amazing job helping communities with their skatepark projects,
organizing fundraising events, reaching new donors, and raising the awareness of our mission. Chances are that you have heard about THF because of their efforts. We still have a lot of work to do, so your support is
greatly appreciated. With your help, we can give kids a positive outlet for their energy, and a safer community for them to grow up in.
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