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.
BambooSK8 is proud to donate both $ and skateboards for the 4th straight year. This years event is again at Billionaire Ron Burkles estate in Beverly Hills.
2011 Auction Items
If you can’t make it to Stand Up For Skateparks, you can still bid on these amazing items. For information or to make a proxy bid, contact us.
Your Own Pro Model Skateboard! Your name or your child’s name on an absolutely one-of-a-kind skateboard deck, with artwork created by Tony’s personal designer, custom made by Zazzle and ArtsProjekt, and ready to hang in a custom frame by Sk8ology.
Mike Rogers from Grind for Life and Geoff Koboldt of BambooSK8 were featured on NBC TV in San Diego at 6:45am to promote the Clash at Clairemont event this Saturday which benefits the cancer charity, 11-6pm, $10/door – www.clashatclairemont.com
Pro skaters to include: Tony Hawk, PLG, Bucky Lasek, Andy Macdonald, Christian Hosoi and many others.
BambooSK8 will be selling limited edition bamboo “clash” decks which proceeds will benefit Grind for Life. These are perfect for autograph signing – limited to 20 decks only!!!
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!
By Ron Stebenne – Freestyle Promotions International/BambooSK8
Tunnel Hill GA – You would never expect to see a cow skateboarding anywhere in Georgia. Almost as unusual is to see a world renowned professional skateboarder in Tunnel Hill, Georgia. However, on Saturday, April 10, both a cow and Christian Hosoi where skateboarding in the same place, the North Georgia Skate Park in Tunnel Hill. The ‘Cow’ was indeed skateboarding on the ramps courtesy of the event sponsor, Chick Fil-A of Walnut Square Mall in Dalton. Christian was brought to the park by the owner, Loretta Scriven to provide an equally unique opportunity for skateboarders to see, hear, and experience Hosoi’s life journey through wealth, fame, prison, and his redemption.
Hosoi’s journey began when he was just a young teenager in the early 80’s. His bold skate tricks, movie star looks, and his aggressive nature put him on the fast track to fame, money, and all the world had to offer, including drugs which eventually led to his arrest for possession of 1 ½ pounds of crystal meth in January of 2000. He served 4 years in prison in San Bernardino California Central Detention Center. Prior to his arrest, Hosoi was Tony Hawk’s biggest competitor in contests. Millions of kids watched Hosoi and Hawk battle it out on ramps. In 2000, these two skateboard greats went in two very different directions.
In many ways, Hosoi’s arrest saved his life and created a whole new life for him. Hosoi says, “ I traveled the world 10 times over and no one told me about Christ. It’s weird but I invented a trick they call the “Christ Air”, my nick name is Christ, but no one told me about Christ. When I finally hit rock bottom, I was open for Christ to come in.” Since his arrest, Hosoi has been clean and sober. He is married and has 4 children and is dedicated to his family. Moreover, he turned his life over to his Lord, Jesus Christ, and freely shares his journey with those who will listen. Now as a pastor for The Sanctuary Church in Westminster, California, is travels the world to proclaim his faith, share his life, share the Gospel, and skate in contests and shows in the hopes of changing the lives of young skaters worldwide.
On Saturday, Hosoi was at the North Georgia Skate Park in Tunnel Hill for a purpose beyond just hanging with the kids as a pro. “I wanted to come here and see if I could make a difference in the people’s lives in this community and influence them to do something positive, to steer them away from the kinds of things I went through. I now know it’s about making the right choices, knowing good life-skills, and being good members of society rather than going down the roads that a lot of kids don’t make it out of.”
Park owner, Loretta Scriven, made the event possible because she felt the kids needed to hear these words from someone they respected and looked up to. By the response from the crowed of young and older skaters, she was right. After Hosoi’s talk, dozens of youth and adults crowded around Hosoi to pray with him and be close to the legend. Later they crowded around him to get his autograph and ask questions. Hosoi patiently talked to everyone, had pictures taken with the kids and even skated with them.
Loretta Scriven hopes to have more events and guest pros in this new facility. She and Christian have the same vision, to bridge Christianity and skateboarding, to positively impact the youth in all of Georgia and beyond, and to provide a safe place for kids and families to truly recreate themselves in mind, body, and spirit.
Flea receives the SIMA Humanitarian of the Year Award from Tony Hawk and Izzy Paskowitz during Liquid Nation Ball 6, La Jolla California, September 11, 2009
I have been a fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers for over 20 years… I’ve seen the Chili’s at least 10 times in my life and have met Anthony and Flea on different occasions in LA. I can’t even describe what it’s like to be in their energy field other than an amazing sense of gratitude for the music they make and the love they spread through the world. If you would have told me 20 years ago this band would sell millions of records – I would have said ”no way” despite being a huge fan. If you grew up in the 80′s, then you would know how important this band was to skateboarding and how much they loved skateboarding.
Anyhow, Flea says, “What i do is what you are suppose to do…be kind, love people, treat them fair, etc.” We can all learn something from this humble individual we call Flea. Nobody weird like me…
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.
We would like to help contribute a $300 donation to the Tony Hawk foundation charity event this year to take an at-risk youth skateboarder. We are asking you to put your pennies together, a $1, $5 or whatever you can contribute. Please ask your parents as well, as this is tax-deductible.
or you can pay via paypal to sales@bamboosk8.com and put in the comment line “tony hawk charity”.
We went to this event last year and witnessed nearly $1 million going to help build skateparks in low income areas. We know not everyone comes from the same level of class but I think we all can stop and say we are blessed for the things we do have. Let’s come together and help out someone who needs our help more than we need the help.
BambooSK8 has already pledged $350 donation – we are hoping you will match us with just $300.
Blink 182 is set to perform as well… so what an experience for those less fortunate.
thanks,
BambooSK8
P.s. Scroll down on the blog to see last years event including pictures.
BambooSK8 crew made the trek over to Huntington Beach for another Action Sports Environmental Coalition event with other vendors – sector 9, volcom, AOSA, etc. This event was ran on solar panels off the biofuel bus that Frank drove down. We were interviewed by the Sundance Channels people who are producing “Big Ideas For a Small Planet”. After a few games of skate and awarding bamboo decks to the winners, we all watched some bmx aerials on the quarter pipe and launch ramp as the local skaters skated the variety of obstacles. The winner of the skate contest was then awarded a bamboo deck and a wide variety of prizes from all the vendors; so he was stoked. Recycle your brain. After the event, we headed down the road to the Quicksilver headquarters for an 80′s flashback – Tony Hawk, Tony Magnusson, Christian Hosoi, Steve Caballero, Bucky Lasek, and many more – all dressed in 80′s gear.
I attended Tony Hawk’s charity event at Billionaire Ron Burkle’s Beverly Hills estate on Sunday – for a $350 donation. On one front, one is mingling with spoiled little rich kids (tons of them) who say to their mommies, “Oh, mom – it’s only $1000 for that autographed guitar in the auction.” On another front, you realize that it’s these rich families who graciously donate a significant amount of money to help organizations such as this so more power to them. Anyhow, the event was amazing and very well put together… from the valeting of cars to the food/drink, music by Social Distortion, skate jam with Tony and friends, tons of booths with free stuff, hundreds of auctioned items, etc. Overall, it’s pretty amazing what Tony Hawk has been able to achieve in skateboarding and what his organization gives back… It was especially nice to see people donating and bidding on the auction during these tough economical times. Nonetheless, $75k was raised in a matter of minutes by just generous donations – one lady alone who gave $25k. $350×800 in tickets = another $280k. I’m not sure what the auction brought in but there was some pricey tags on items. What’s important here is that the many kids now can have an opportunity to skate/bike with the help of the organization building skateparks. Tony mentioned the next one was TierraSanta and even had some kids come on stage who would directly be inspired. I did my due dilligence by promoting the bamboo skateboards and even made a few pro skaters smile when I asked them when they were going to be skating on bamboo. They sounded excited at the opportunity – now, we just need to get some solid decks in their hands, which we are working on. Bamboo skate decks are the future!!
Andy Macdonald, Kevin Staab, Tony Hawk, Shaun White and Bucky Lasek
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