INTERVIEW: Tony Hawk Talks Skateparks

What gave you the idea to start a foundation to build skateparks?

Seeing the growing interest in skateparks, and the communities that were most in need of these facilities were the ones being neglected. I wanted to change that and empower those that were already trying to get parks in their areas.

And it’s funded by these SUFS events? What goes on at the events? Who attends?

We have many activities and giveaways for kids, music, and a huge demo. We usually get an assortment of celebrities, athletes and musicians attending with their own kids.

Who is the most suprising, or random, celebrity ever to show up?

Diddy.

So far, how much has been raised since the THF’s inception? What does that translate to, in terms of skateparks?

There’s been $8.5-million raised since 2002. So far we've awarded about $3-million in grants to 450 communities. We have another round of grants to award in December.

What’s your favorite skatepark that the THF has helped build?

Compton, because it is such an iconic city, and the council backed it from the very beginning.

You’re adding an event this year—how did you decide on Las Vegas? What were some other locations you tossed around?

We did an event in the Hamptons last year, but it seems the most successful fundraisers take place in Vegas. And people are usually happy to travel there for such events.

Do you have an expectation, or goal, in mind for these upcoming events?

Obviously to raise as much money as possible. Our last two Beverly Hills events raised over $1 million each. We don't expect that our first time out in Vegas, but we hope to establish our event as unique and fun for families.

What if someone’s unable to attend, but still believes in the THF cause and wants to help. What can they do?

Go to tonyhawkfoundation.org or simply text the word RIDE to 90999 to make a $5 donation.

Photos by Jody Morris and Colin Vincent courtesy Tony Hawk Foundation.