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