Posts Tagged ‘beverly hills’

Tony Hawk Standup for Skateparks charity event – October 7th, 2012

Sunday, October 7th, 2012

 

Every year we are proud to contribute to this wonderful event, which has helped millions of skateboarders across the country get access to new skateparks built in all 50 states.  Since it’s inception nearly 10 years ago, Tony Hawk has raised over $4 million through his Standup For Skateparks non-profit.  This year we donated a 31.5″ locker cruizer longboard to be auctioned off which went for $400.

The past 8 years the event has been held at the house of billionaire Ron Burkle who kindly opens up his perfectly manicured estate in Beverly Hills. With around 850 guests who have all paid a $500 ticket price or donation rather, it was another exciting event filled with tons of free product (tech decks to tony hawk shoes to legos), mingling with celebrities (David Spade, Jon Favreau, Jason Lee), rock stars (Robert Trujillo of Metallica, Fred Durst of Limp Bizquit), pro skaters (Tony Hawk, Andy Macdonald, Kevin Staab, Mitchie Brusco), great food (including the famous Pinks hot dogs), live entertainment from Jimmy Eat world and so much more.

We were sure to get one of our bamboo short decks autographed from a ton of awesome people – legendary basketball players AC Green and Bill Walton, UFC Chuck Liddel, actor David Spade, Jimmy Eat World, skaters Tony Hawk + Kevin Staab + Andy Macdonald, Robert Trujillo from Metallica, RJ martinez from Dancing with the Stars, and so many more.

The one thing that always stands out at these events is the amount of rich people in the crowd who are generously giving money by bidding on auction items.  UFC President Dana White won a bid on an item for $25k and arbitrarily decided to double it – giving $50k.  Now mind you, this kind of guy is worth they say over $100 million.  Other bidders included 2 women who both paid $15k each for a rally car ride with Travis Pastrana for their kids.  The funniest auction bid was a Fender guitar autographed by the Red Hot Chili Peppers which had a bid for around $2400 with about 1 minute left before the auction closed as 3 different women were standing right next to it to lay down their final bids and win.  I heard the 45 seconds…30 seconds…15 seconds…  5 seconds… and out of no where this little kid runs up under my legs and throws a sticker on it for $3400 or something crazy.  He literally paid $1000 more than he probably needed to…but he was Dana’s son, so I guess money is no option!  Jeez!!!  Other auction items included autographed guitars by the Eagles, Katy Perry, Goo Goo Dolls, Jimmy Eat world; custom made Taylor guitars for Tony, trips to all over the world, autographed basketballs, jerseys, custom motorcycle by Roland Sands, a custom Tony Hawk jeep ($50k bid) and a ton more.  One of the most impressive auction lists I’ve seen!

A ton of tents were set up around the parameter from companies who gave out a ton of product including Taylor Guitars, I ride/I recycle, Legos, OlloClip, Quicksilver, Tech Deck, Galvin Auto Sports, DUB, Nixon and many more.  We got ourselves a nice Nixon back back for free when we first arrived, which we loaded up a ton of goodies – often this schwag is given out with future skate orders to our customers.

The vert riding was insane with both skateboarding and bmx freestylers including Mat Hoffman and Jamie Bestwick.  It’s crazy to think how big this ramp is and how they pull it onto Ron’s yard and just rip up his grass; it’s actually pretty funny!  Good thing Mr. Burkle is so kind – it takes a lot of resources to organize this event from high-level security to loading stuff in and out, etc. Oh, let us add that Dj Z-trip provided some killer mixes for the vert riding, which really took the experience to a whole new level – we definitely encourage that next year!!

Jimmy Eat world rocked the stage for a 40 minute set with a small intimate group of about 250 people watching.  Earlier in the day we got some time to chat with the group who were all very down-to-earth and level headed.  They were excited as we told them about our bamboo skateboards.

In conclusion, we wouldn’t doubt that this years event will trump the $775,000 raised last year.  Thank you Tony Hawk!

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Bamboo Skateboard News | No Comments »

Standup for Skateparks 2011 Tony Hawk charity event

Sunday, October 2nd, 2011

BambooSk8 was proud to help out for the 4th straight year by donating goods and $ donation to the Standup for Skateparks charity event in Beverly Hills at billionaire Ron Burkle’s green acres estate.  I know, you are all asking – who the hell is Ron Burkle?  If you ever shopped at Ralph’s food stores, then there’s one connection.  How about owning a piece of the Pittsburgh Penguins or owning 20% of Barnes and Noble; there’s more!  Anyhow, lucky for Tony Hawk that Ron provides his humble abode to let Tony invite 850 guests at a price of $400 donation each to mingle with celebrities (if you are lucky or brave) like actor Mark Wahlberg or mega producer Jon Favreau or UFC champion Chuck Lidell or rockstar Perry Farrel of Janes Addiction, watch some live music by the Black Keys (yet, literally 20 feet in front of you on a tiny little stage), watch some amazing skating on the vert ramp (amazing that they are allowed to bring the massive ramp and tear up Ron’s yard) with Shaun White, Tony Hawk, Mitchie Brusco, Bucky Lasek, as well as bmx freestyle by Matt Hoffman, get a ton of free shit from a variety of vendors (t-mobile, art of board, dub, nixon, birdhouse, pinks, wahoo’s, best buy, etc.), chat with pro skaters like Mike Vallely, Jamie Thomas, Kevin Stab, etc., and a ton more….  The live auctions this year were off the hook with autographed guitars by Pearl Jam, Taylor Swift, Rancid, Janes Addiction and the coolest one that Geoff bid on and won = the 1950′s Fender Telecaster toured with and autographed by all members of Green Day.  Other auction items included a tricked out Ford Explorer that went for over $40k, a customized triumph motorcycle by Roland Sands that went for $30k, a ton of autographed pro skateboards (paul rodriguez, nyjay houston, ryan scheckler and shaun white) completely framed by sk8ology, as well as the opportunity to get your own pro skateboard made by Tony Hawk’s team for $250.  Our BambooSK8 skate board autographed by the band CHERRI BOMB on Hollywood Records went for $70 the last bid we saw, but hopefully more.  Needless to say, despite the down economy, things were looking up for charity this year as people reached deep into their pockets.  We can all feel good about helping to get skateparks built in low income, at-risk neighborhoods throughout this great country of ours.  The foundation has helped 405 parks get build already in 49 states; Connecticut is the only one remaining.

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Bamboo Skateboard News | No Comments »

Tony Hawk Standup for Skateparks – Beverly Hills – Green Acres Estates – October 17th, 2010

Saturday, October 16th, 2010

BambooSK8 was proud to support the Standup for Skateparks program helping to fund skateparks in low income areas, as well as areas where cities don’t have the budget to promote skateboarding.  This was our 3rd year supporting Tony Hawk.  Not only did we provide the $350 donation (only 800 tickets are offered) but we gave 4 bamboo skateboards to be auctioned off for the charity at both the Beverly Hills event and the Las Vegas event at the Wynn Hotel.  We were very proud to see our decks get auctioned for hundreds of dollars!!!  This event in Beverly Hills was on October 17th at Billionaire Ron Burkles Green Acres Estate.  Ron actually lets them put in a half pipe and tear up his finely manicured lawn all in the name of charity.  Numerous celebrities and pro skaters were on hand – despite the pouring drizzly rain, everyone still had a blast.  Highlight for me was seeing Janes Addiction who always put on a stellar show.  Perry was hilarious as he told the kids in the audience, “You don’t want to grow up like us.  You want to be like Tony Hawk.  We’re just his crazy friends.  I’m the crazy uncle.”   The crowd just laughed!  Then Perry say’s, “I’m sorry for the profanity kids.   This next song is about “whores”.”  ahah!   Dave Navarro was with his gorgeous new 18 year old girlfriend and while the chemistry of the band isn’t cohesive, Dave still smiled and shredded some serious notes out of his Paul Reed Smith guitar.  For those of you that are too young, Perry Farrell of Janes Addiction was the brains behind the “Lollapalooza” festival back in 1991.  Perry, who I’ve seen many times over the years at various events was kind enough to autograph the set list for me.  Other major celebrities included soccer star David Beckham, who had all the girls going goo goo ga ga.  Mark Wahlber was another highlight to see as I’m a big fan of his acting.  He was like, “Make it fast kid.” when I asked for a photo.  It always sucks to bother these people when they are with their kids and family, but they all handle the fame well, so long as one is respectful.  Due to the rain, the 1/2 pipe wasn’t ridden for very long nor were the tricks really stretched but for sure Tony Hawk was whipping out some Mctwists and doing triple aerials with Matt Hoffman on his freestyle bike.  Matt hasn’t ridden in a few years due to a severe injury after a car accident.  It was awesome to see him riding again, as I remember riding near him in Grand Blanc, Michigan for the 2 Hip King of Vert back in 89 when we were 15.  Damn, where does the time go?  Anyhow, hope you enjoy the photos!  Again, we are very honored to contribute to the Standup for Skateparks charity!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Bamboo Skateboard News | No Comments »

Beverly Hills 90210 Tony Hawk Charity event

Monday, October 12th, 2009

 

BambooSK8 was proud to join the Tony Hawk foundation for the 2nd time by attending another charity event in Beverly Hills.  This event took place at Billionaire ROn Burkles humble abode; yes, I said Billionaire.  I believe that only 800 people are allowed to attend based on starting donations of $350 but additional money is raised by numerous auctions such as an autographed fender bass from the Dave Matthews band or a guitar signed by Social Distortion to autographed skate decks to vacations to sport memorabilia to a vehicle (spiced up by DUB), etc.  In addition, around $50,000 was raised for the watts skatepark just from pure donations on the whim.  20 at-risk youth were brought in thanks to donations.  In fact, one  of our little Loopd Eco Tribe skaters made a donation, so I made sure I got him a special autograph from Tony Hawk.  Reality is, this event is filled with a mix of celebrities and rich folks but all of which who enjoy doing their part to help the skateparks, all the while doing the horse-and-pony show for their kids who get to meet Tony Hawk.  I must say Tony does a great job keeping it real and down-to-earth.  In fact, Tony went for a 900 not one, not twice, not even three times but more like 5 times – pulling it off until running off the side of the ramp.  Dude is over 40 and killing it out there for the crowd!  Bucky Lasek, Andy Macdonald, Kevin Stabb, PLG and a few others joined him on the ramp.   About a dozen booths were set up from organizations or companies like Yo Baby / Kick flipper, UFC, Best Buy, DUB magazine, Pinks Hot Dogs, Nixon, etc.  Literally, you walk away with bags of goodies including shirts, hats, stickers, belts, drum sticks, guitar picks, shoes, and tons more.  This year Blink 182 performed, which was really cool to finally see them live – not that they are even remotely talented in light of other musicians, but they have catchy songs and are incredibly funny with their interactions with each other onstage and with the crowd.  Tom joked, “This song was a hit in the 90′s.”  I do have to say that Travis Barker is a mad man on those drums and I have the utmost respect for him, as a drummer and as a businessman.  Many years ago, I looked at buying his house out in Corona… in fact, it was right down the road from me at the time.  Anyhow, other celebrities included Jeremy Piven, Eric Estrada, Vern ’mini me” Troyer (who gave $1000 for TOny hawk’s shoes and deck he skated), Chuck Liddell from UFC, Perry Farrel (Janes Addiction), Johnny Knoxville, Holly Robinson Pete, Tom Green, and a bunch more.  A special shout out to the entire crew that makes this event happen…from the valet guys at the front gates to the mansion, to the food crew, to the security, to the organizers and promoters, to the Tony Hawk Foundation, Ron Burkle, and all the people who generously donate year after year; without these folks our youth might not have a safe haven to go skate at.  It is these skateparks that keeps kids out of trouble and gives them hope for a better life while also keeping them healthy and positive.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHgao6mXnhE  – video of Tony Hawks 900

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Bamboo Skateboard News | No Comments »