(L to R) Gary Holl (founder), Judi Oyama, & Dr. Andrew Huberman. Chris Adams is MIA.
Photo credit: Jay Watson
How did you start Board Rescue?
Skateboarding has taught me many things and it has introduced me to many people. I had to figure out a way to give back to skateboarding what it has given to me. Back in 2007, I came up with the model for Board Rescue. I asked a couple of friends, Andrew and Judi, that have been skateboarding with me for many years to join me in this project and one year later, we became a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation. We’ve recently added Chris to our team which has been great. I couldn’t be prouder of Andrew, Judi and Chris’ work these past few years.
What is the mission of Board Rescue?
Our Mission is to provide skateboards and safety equipment to organizations that work with underprivileged and/or at-risk children. We strongly believe that there are many benefits to skateboarding, physical and emotional. The organizations we support in turn provide strong mentoring programs that help build even stronger communities.
Skate Like a Girl (SLAG) got them some Board Rescue love.
What kinds of activities do you do?
We work closely with our supporters within the skateboard industry and community. They provide us with equipment that we assemble and then donate. We also have strong support from individuals who make monetary donations, those are used to purchase items like trucks, wheels or bearings so that we can assemble and distribute skateboards to organizations throughout the United States.
Does Board Rescue have any upcoming events?
We have our second annual Art Show and Fundraiser coming up in September. This will be held at the Boardroom Skate Shop in Santa Cruz California. This year’s amazing contributing artists include Steve Caballero, Lance Mountain, Jason Adams, Christian Cooper, Jimbo Philips, Steve Olson, Duane Peters and many more. We will also be at this year’s Tim Brauch Bowl contest at Lake Cunningham Skateboard Park in San Jose, CA on September 25. In order to get more details on these events you can follow us on FaceBook and our website.
A Board Rescue donation getting ready for shipping.
How can people support Board Rescue or get involved themselves?
There are many ways to support us, you can visit our website at http://boardrescue.org and make a donation, just follow the Make a Donation tab. You can join us on FaceBook and become a Fan and “like” us at http://www.facebook.com/boardrescue.
And we have our art show in September. Those items will be on display for a few weeks and will be auctioned off on eBay, with all the proceeds going to Board Rescue.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would that be?
I think Board Rescue is making a change in many kids’ lives today. If we could continue to grow the organization each year and provide the opportunity to skate to underprivileged and/or at-risk kids, then we will have made a positive change.
Kids at an after school program gear up to skate.
Do you have any favorite action sports shops or businesses in your area?
The Boardroom: http://www.santacruzboardroom.com
Tell us about your secret other life…
I’ve been skateboarding since 1975, but that’s no secret. Recently, I started to paint. Mostly acrylic on canvas.
Another amazing after school mentoring skate program.
I met Gary Holl in 1978. He lived across the street from me. Even then he was an extraordinary skateboard talent. I’ve seen him jump over cars and do freestyle moves that were way ahead of their time. He was so devoted to skateboarding. He would practice for hours and hours perfecting his freestyle moves. I knew he was going places. He truly has a gift for skateboarding. He is the nicest most humble guy you could ever meet and he was always ready to help anyone out who needed it. It is no surprise he is giving back to others through his non profit Board rescue, because thats who he is.