When this charity began it was the choice between reading a book and starting a charity. I was on vacation and looking for a way to give back to the community that gives me so much. I had some extra gear, an inspiration from following the Fresno Skateboard Salvage account and Bellevue, WA Police Officer Craig Hanaumigiving boards to kids. A few quick phone calls and some words of encouragement and advice and Skateboards4All was born.
Within 48 hours we had our first requests, kids in Ohio and Pennsylvania looking for a board that they could not afford. I hit the local shops looking for boxes to send them and possible gear donations. Urban Surf and All Together Skatepark (ATS) came through with the boxes and off they went to the recipients. I realized two things at that moment: 1. I could not bankroll this activity by myself and 2. The community that I know and love was willing to help. ATS owner Marshall Reid was the first to come through with a huge donation of boards, trucks, and wheels. I was able to offset the cost and buy some equipment to refurbish worn hardware, decks, spacers and bushings to set up the first group of boards. I was stoked. Then I waited and waited. You see starting a skateboarding charity in September, in Washington, in the rainy season takes away the best avenue for giving away gear. Unlike California you cannot just drive out to a skatepark everyday and take a look around.
This set back took the wind from my sails and had me questioning whether we were doing the right thing and if it was worth it. I soon had my answer. Officer Craig reached out and let me know that he had some Streetplant decks that had been given to him by the man himself, Mike Vallely, that needed to be set up and asked if I could help. Of course I said yes, packed up the car and set up those decks for Craig in a cold garage in November. He gave those to a couple of kids that he knew and the stoke was beginning to spread. Check the next blog post for the next chapter of Skateboards4All!
Take care and keep skating!
Daniel
