Skate Blog Intern Blog

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!