Supporters of his foundation receive a special thank you as new projects apply for funding.
11 May 2016 (San Francisco, CA) — An impromptu session at San Francisco’s SOMA West Skate Plaza last month was broadcast live to over 2.5-million viewers as Tony Hawk and the Birdhouse Skateboards team rolled into the space and onto the screens of facebook Live viewers around the world. The plaza, a 2011 recipient of a Tony Hawk Foundation skatepark grant, was full of Saturday-morning users when Tony and the crew showed up, and right behind them was a contingent of THF staff and foundation supporters. Tony arranged to spend the day with them as a thank you for supporting THF’s work, including its contributions to parks like SOMA West.
Later that day, Tony disclosed via social media that his personal ramp was going up a few blocks from SOMA West, and that he would be joined for a vert demo by an all-star crew, including Steve Caballero, Elliot Sloan, Kevin Staab, Amelia Brodka, Evan Doherty, Lincoln Ueda, and THF Programs Manager Alec Beck. Also on deck was DJ Z-Trip, who mashed up a soundtrack for the intense session.
“It was a blast skating with the locals at SOMA West, and to be able to show our gratitude to foundation supporters with a vert demo and dinner with our gracious hosts, Stephanie and Tyler Mitchell,” said Tony Hawk. “Amelia and the guys were ripping at the demo, and it was fun to see so many people show up right after I blasted the location on social media. I consider the day a huge success for our mission at THF.”
Check out the RIDE Channel video featuring highlights from Tony Hawk’s San Francisco vert demo:
Also see photos from the event on THF’s facebook page: tinyurl.com/jf8pqw6
Tony has been finding unique ways to thank THF donors since establishing the foundation in 2002, and their support has helped THF assist communities across the U.S. create free, quality public skateparks through critical technical assistance and funding.
THF has awarded more than $5.5-million in construction grants to 572 projects in all 50 States, and also supports international programs that enrich the lives of youth through skateboarding in some of the most challenged places on Earth.
Communities in the U.S. that are pursuing free, concrete skateparks are encouraged to learn more about the process at www.publicskateparkguide.org, and to apply for Tony Hawk Foundation construction grants. The deadline to submit the online application is June 15, 2016. To learn more about THF grants or to access the application, visit www.skatepark.org.
Tony Hawk Foundation
A charitable, non-profit organization, the Tony Hawk Foundation was established in 2002 by its namesake, professional skateboarder Tony Hawk. THF promotes and provides advocacy training and funds for high-quality public skateparks in low-income areas throughout the United States that promote healthy, active lifestyles, and to International programs that enrich the lives of youth through skateboarding.
Domestically, the Foundation’s Skatepark Grant program has awarded over $5.8-million to 596 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 Foundation’s International Program has provided technical support and awarded $150,000 to assist youth through the Skateistan educational programs in Afghanistan, Cambodia, and South Africa www.skateistan.org.
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. For more information, visit the Foundation’s Web site at donation page. You can also visit THF on facebook and Instagram @tonyhawkfoundation, and on Twitter @THF.
Special thanks to following THF partners for their ongoing support: Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation (www.rcwjrf.org), Yucaipa Companies, Gumball 3000 (www.gumball3000.com), Adobe (www.adobe.com), Dynacraft (www.dynacraftwheels.com), Skate One (www.skateone.com), Birdhouse Skateboards (www.birdhouseskateboards.com), Alex Le’Vasseur Memorial Fund (www.rememberalex.com), Roxiticus Foundation
