Athlete and Artist Painted Skate Decks to be Unveiled at Benefit
Hosted by ESPNs anchorwoman Dana Jacobson, the X Games benefit will provide music by the world famous KROQ, celebrities, and X Games 14 competitors in BMX, Moto X, Skateboard and Rally Car Racing most notably the featured athletes will include V Foundation X Games spokesman Kenny Bartram (Moto X). In addition, two-time Skateboard Vert and Vert Best Trick gold medalist Sandro Dias and two-time Winter X Games Skiing SuperPipe silver medalist Simon Dumont will also be in attendance.
The V Foundation supports a cause that is important to the ESPN family, and we are proud to partner with the STAPLES Center Foundation for a second year, said Amy Lupo, senior director, Global X Event Marketing and Content. There is no better way to kick off X Games 14 than with this great cause, and we truly appreciate the participation and support from the action sports community.
The exclusive second annual opening night bash will take place Wednesday, July 30 at 6 p.m atop the STAPLES Center celebrated City View Terrace, providing panoramic views of the ever-changing skyline of downtown Los Angeles. The benefit will feature the award-winning cuisine of Levy Restaurants. A silent auction filled with sports memorabilia and painted skateboard decks designed by a select number of renowned artists, celebrities and athletes will highlight the benefit event. There will be an exclusive VIP meet and greet with X Games 14 featured athletes and celebrity guests. Net profits will benefit two important charities, the STAPLES Center Foundation and The V Foundation for Cancer Research. To purchase tickets, visit www.staplescenterfoundation.com.
Happening in conjunction with the Behind the Big Air Benefit is the third annual Dont Ever Give Up! Skatedeck Auction that will also raise funds for The V Foundation for Cancer Research. Athletes, artists and celebrities have painted their own designs on skate decks donated by Powell Skate One. These decks will be on display for bidding at the Behind the Big Air benefit, inside the VIP tent at X Games 14, and also on eBay at http://stores.ebay.com/ESPN-Auctions. The auction will feature boards painted by X Games athletes Ricky Carmichael, Sandro Dias, Ryan Sheckler, Ryan Nyquist, Ashley Fiolek, Chad Kagy and ESPNs commentator and benefit host Dana Jacobson. Other artists include Glen Keane, Mark Richmond, Marco, Chris Pastras, Bo Bridges, Joe Barillaro, Drake McElroy, Nate Wesel, Bill Morrison, The Bachelor host Chris Harrison and Hart & Huntingtons Tattoo Orlando Shop. Bidding on eBay will begin at 6 p.m. PT on Wednesday, July 30 and conclude on Saturday, August 9 at 6 p.m. PT.
Three boards in the Dont Ever Give Up! Skatedeck auction. (l to r): Pro Skateboarder Ryan Sheckler, Walt Disney Lead Animator Glen Keane and ESPN Anchor Dana Jacobson
Presenting sponsor for the Behind the Big Air Benefit is American Express.
STAPLES Center Foundation
The Foundation has established a number of partnerships in the Los Angeles community to assist charities in raising funds and awareness for their organizations with a special emphasis on the low-income neighborhoods surrounding the arena. The Foundation has donated an excess of $7 million in financial and in-kind support to many community-based organizations, helping to reach those in need.
About The V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has raised more than $70 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all new direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. The Foundation, which has received five consecutive top 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Review Committee. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.
About Team ESPN
Team ESPN encompasses ESPNs multi-faceted corporate outreach programs including volunteerism, corporate giving and cause marketing, while utilizing its diverse media assets. Through Team ESPN, ESPN, its employees, and its fans work together to make a difference in our world and the communities in which we live. Team ESPN. . .Fans Helping Fans. www.teamespn.com.
For more information on the V foundation and ESPNs corporate outreach initiatives, please visit www.jimmyv.org and www.EXPN.com.
