HHF welcomed Tiffany Lee as its new Executive Director on January 4, 2024`.
A graduate of Kansas State University, Tiffany brings over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector with a focus on youth development and community programming. Prior to joining HHF, Tiffany held impactful roles such as the Development & Operations Liaison at Girls for Gender Equity (GGE) and Youth & Family Director at the Rockaway YMCA. In her leadership role, Tiffany is dedicated to building partnerships, fostering a diverse and cohesive team, and consistently innovating in her field. Her guiding mantra, "Let’s build something remarkable together," encapsulates her collaborative approach and commitment to making a lasting impact. Beyond her professional endeavors, Tiffany enjoys supporting the fine arts, particularly theatre. She relieves stress by trying new recipes and when she needs to laugh a quick call to her niece or nephew always lifts her spirits. As Executive Director for The Harold Hunter Foundation, it is Tiffany’s personal mission to honor Harold’s legacy by uplifting the culture of skateboarding throughout NYC and beyond. You can reach Tiffany at tiffany (at) haroldhunter.org “Every time I see my athletes land the tricks they’ve been working on, their reactions make me feel so accomplished."
— Coach Jeremiah HHF Coach Jeremiah Pardo was profiled by Up2US Sports this month in their "Coaches Corner". Read all about Coach Jeremiah and the impact he's having on young skateboarders in NYC! Dear Friends and Supporters,
As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we've taken over the last 12 months with the Harold Hunter Foundation. While I initially wrote a comprehensive end-of-year letter to seek your support, recent experiences have prompted me to take a different route—a more heartwarming and celebratory one. (But you can still see videos and read about our impact this year here!) This past Wednesday, amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays in New York City, the Harold Hunter Foundation team gathered to review and celebrate some special moments of the past year. Our day began with a luncheon at our office, where staff and board members came together to share a meal and thoughts on the profound impact we've collectively made. One poignant recollection centered around a young skater, known for his toughness at skate parks, who was observed giggling with other youngsters at camp—an 11-year-old finally able to let down his guard and be a child. Another memory from camp evoked the image of a young boy, initially fearful before boarding the bus for camp, only to be seen shedding tears of joy as camp concluded, holding an award and expressing disbelief that this incredible experience was coming to an end. One of our coaches shared her joy at remembering the reactions of new skaters trying out their boards during our clinics in Brownsville Brooklyn in partnership with the Chill Foundation. Another remembered the excitement of Harold Hunter Weekend, while a third talked of our Rider Development program participants at the Tampa Am this past fall. Successes with our growing Creative Career programs - an art exhibition and several career panels brought appreciation. And the moving stories shared during the Men’s Mental health panel at Red Bull’s office space impacted us all. The transformative power of our programs was palpable in these stories. The day's festivities continued into the evening with a community celebration hosted at the Burton flagship store in Soho. This well-deserved party served as a tribute to the hard work and accomplishments achieved during our year of transition. Attendees were moved to tears as they watched remarkable videos showcasing the highlights of the year. We are thrilled to share these moments with you, and you can find the videos here. As I was leaving at the end of the evening, one Workforce Development participant, in the midst of his first paid internship program, stopped me to tell how much of a difference this opportunity has made. The stories go on and on. As we approach the holidays, we are filled with gratitude for the support that has allowed us to create these transformative experiences for the skaters we serve. Your belief in our mission and commitment to fostering positive change in the lives of these skaters is the reason we can celebrate these heartwarming stories. However, our programs need your financial support in order to continue to be so impactful. I’m hoping that this short letter has moved you to consider making an end of year gift to HHF! (If not, the videos here surely will!) Please make your donation today! Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with hope, inspiration, and the warmth that comes from making a difference in the lives of others. With sincere thanks, Barbara Heisler, Interim Executive Director The Harold Hunter Foundation HHF has partnered with Chill Foundation to host Fall 2023 weekly skate clinics for youth aged 11-19 years old at Betsy Head Skatepark in Brownsville, Brooklyn.
Clinics will take place on Wednesdays 10/4, 10/11, 10/18 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM at Betsy Head Skatepark located on Dumont Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11212. Registration is open through Sunday October 1st! In order to participate, sign up via this link: CHILL x HHF FALL CLINICS - YOUTH REGISTRATION FORM Any HHF participant over 19 who wants to participate can sign up as a volunteer using this link: VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORM Questions? Contact hannahl@chill.org Come join us September 28th for our Fall fundraiser!
We'll kick off with a skateboarding demo at Vans Skate Space 198 in Brooklyn (special gifts for VIPs), followed by a night of dancing down the street from Vans at Honey's Brooklyn. Looking forward to seeing everybody who supports us! Purchase tickets here: https://shotgun.live/events/ramp-up We ask for your support of our work, and (for parents/guardians) ask you to trust in our programs with your youth. But, while we often have these discussions internally, we might not share with you enough why we do this. Hence this blog post!
In the bustling world of sports and recreation, skateboarding stands out as more than just a physical activity; it's a subculture, an art form, and a platform for empowerment. While skateboarding has traditionally been associated with counterculture and rebellion, it has now evolved into a tool for positive change, especially for marginalized populations. This blog post delves into the significance of supporting skateboarding organizations that cater to marginalized youth, emphasizing how such initiatives can alter the trajectory of young lives for the better. 1. A Platform for Expression and Inclusion: Skateboarding transcends language barriers, cultural differences, and economic disparities. It provides a means of creative expression and a way to connect with peers who share similar interests. For marginalized youth who might feel alienated or excluded from mainstream activities, skateboarding offers a welcoming and non-judgmental space. These organizations foster a sense of belonging, allowing young people to showcase their individuality while being part of a supportive community. 2. Building Confidence and Resilience: Skateboarding is not just about mastering tricks; it's about conquering fears and pushing personal boundaries. Youth often face challenges that can erode their self-confidence and belief in their abilities. By engaging in skateboarding, they learn to persevere through failures, celebrate successes, and build a sense of resilience. As they refine their skills and conquer obstacles on the skateboard, they gain the confidence to tackle life's challenges off the board as well. 3. Teaching Valuable Life Lessons: Skateboarding isn't confined to the skatepark; it's a microcosm of life itself. When youth engage in skateboarding, they learn critical life lessons such as discipline, patience, and the importance of practice. Falling down and getting back up becomes a metaphor for resilience in the face of adversity. These lessons extend beyond the skatepark and equip young individuals with skills that are applicable to their academic, personal, and professional lives. 4. Providing Positive Role Models: Skateboarding organizations often feature mentors and coaches who serve as positive role models. These mentors share a genuine passion for skateboarding and act as guides, offering advice on both skateboarding techniques and life choices. For marginalized youth who may lack positive role models in their immediate environments, these relationships can be transformative, showing them the possibilities of a brighter future. 5. Fostering a Sense of Ownership: When youth are involved in skateboarding organizations, they take ownership of their experiences. Whether it's helping to organize events, contributing to community initiatives, or even designing skatepark features, they learn the value of active participation and community building. This sense of ownership instills a feeling of responsibility and investment in their own growth and the betterment of their communities. 6. Creating Pathways and Opportunities: Skateboarding can open doors to unexpected opportunities. Through competitions, sponsorship deals, and exposure to the broader skateboarding industry, marginalized youth can discover pathways they never thought possible. These organizations often facilitate workshops, educational programs, and vocational training that leverage the passion for skateboarding to equip young individuals with practical skills for the future. Supporting HHF goes beyond merely promoting a sport. It's about recognizing the transformative power of skateboarding in altering the trajectory of young lives. By fostering a sense of inclusion, building confidence, teaching life lessons, providing role models, instilling ownership, and creating opportunities, these organizations contribute to the positive development of marginalized youth. Through skateboarding, these young individuals find a space where they can be themselves, learn important life skills, and pave the way for a brighter future. As a society, investing in these initiatives isn't just about promoting a sport—it's about investing in the potential of our youth and helping them rewrite their stories. Happy to have more conversation if you'd like, Barbara Interim Executive Director It’s been a HOT summer in New York City (and around the world). Thankfully, in just one short month, Harold Hunter Foundation is taking a group of 25 youth to a real summer camp! With help from our friends at Camp Nice, we have created a new relationship with the former Y Camp of NYC in Huguenot, NY. From Sunday August 20th - Saturday August 26th, 2023, we'll partner with Camp Reimagined to bring a one-of-a-kind 7 day HHF Skate Camp experience we’re excited to share with our community for the first time. Will there be skateboarding? Of course! Campers will also enjoy classic camp activities such as swimming, s’mores, boating, arts & crafts, hiking, and more. Registration is FREE for all current HHF participants aged 19 and under! Check your email and/or LeagueApps for the registration link and additional information. For past HHF program participants, it’s only $25 to sign up! If you’re interested in signing up or have any questions, email hello@haroldhunter.org to learn more.
We’re heading off to camp in less than one month so sign up ASAP to secure your spot! Thank you again to Camp Nice and Camp Reimagined for working with us on this amazing opportunity! Together, we'll help young skateboarders learn valuable skills, build confidence, and forge lifelong friendships surrounded by nature. Follow our Instagram for more updates. We look forward to seeing you at camp! This Saturday, July 22nd, Aether NYC and Head Snacks are collaborating to bring you an epic afternoon of skating & partying! The event will run from 2-8pm at 110 Studios in Brooklyn, where there'll be food, a mini-ramp, live music, vendors, and a bar! With drinks by Juneshine, 10% of all bar sales will be going directly to HHF. Come out, have a good time, and support us while you're at it! It's a day you won't want to miss out on. The event is open to all ages! Those under 21 will be provided a wristband.
From 2-5pm, there'll be an open skate with a half pipe, then at 6pm, the performances will begin. At 7:30pm, the half pipe will be open again for the last half hour. For more info, check out Aether NYC's original instagram post. You can purchase tickets here. We're also giving away a few free tickets for HHF program participants and youth - DM us on IG if interested! Thanks so much to Aether NYC, Head Snacks, Juneshine, and 110 Studios for letting us be a part of this awesome event! We'll see you there! Happy July! As Pride Month comes to a close, we wanted to spotlight some of the work done here at HHF to support Women and LGBTQIA+ folks. At HHF, our Women & LGBTQIA+ initiative is led by Jae Cooper, who won Up2Us Coach of the Year in 2022 for their amazing work in supporting and connecting with the skating community. With the goal of providing safe spaces and resources for Women, BIPOC, and queer identifying people, Jae hosts monthly gatherings on the last Tuesday of every month. It’s a chill vibe, like friends gathering to skate and lift one another up. At their most recent meeting, on June 27th, they partnered with HousingWorks Youth and Prevention Services, CAMBA, and Brooklyn YAS to educate and help those struggling with substance abuse or housing issues. Jae’s goal is to foster a strong community for historically underrepresented groups not only in skateboarding, but NYC as a whole. They’re an activist–most notably having participated heavily in BLM protests at their height in 2020. “I want to take up space, so people can acknowledge the specific struggles of BIPOC, women and queer people.” Jae explains in an interview. “I really just want to be the person I didn’t have, and become that mentor for the younger generation.” And they’ve seen great success in such a short amount of time! For Harold Hunter Weekend XVI, Coach Jae hosted the only queer Cash for Tricks in NYC for the 3rd year in a row, this time at Homage Skateboarding Academy. We saw friends old and new, where a variety of tricks were shown. Take a look at some of these sick pics captured at the event: Special thanks to Nico Trainer for taking photos and capturing the event! “Happy tears typing this but god I am thankful and so honored to be the person hosting these cash for tricks. Y’all really continue to amaze me and make all of my hard work worth it.” said Jae in an Instagram post recapping the event. And the fun doesn't stop there! On Juneteenth, Jae hosted the 2nd annual Skate n’ Donate event along with Jhanaiya, SK8 Babes, and Kearah-Armonie. Last year, they were asked to be a part of the event, but this year they were given the reigns to put it on. The event celebrated Black people from all walks of life, including those GNC, Queer, and LGBTQIA+ identifying. There were sponsors that helped the event donate to several organizations aimed at helping Black individuals in the community, like Environmental Hood Restoration and Black Trans Liberation. There was a potluck with lots of food, laughter, and fun, showing tons of love and support for Black people all across NYC. Check out some pictures from the event: Special thanks to Ashley Hernandez for taking photos and capturing the event! Be sure to also check out the charities that were supported through the event here!: Jae’s hosted five events in the month of June alone–all while supporting several other community events such as Environmental Hood Restoration’s “"Feed The Streets" Skate Jam on June 17th. Jae’s hard work shows the passion they have to make a difference in the lives of Women & LGBTQIA+ skaters. In terms of the future, Jae wants to continue to “be better” as a whole. “Adapting to the needs of the community is just as important as my own goals” Jae says. Personability to the people they serve is their most important priority, and it's something they keep in mind as their influence grow. Their momentum isn’t slowing down, and we at HHF can’t wait to see what work they put out in the future. Come join us for our event this month as well! Check out this flyer for more information or visit HHF's instagram! Do you want to support Jae’s work with the Women & LGBTQIA+ Initiative? Contact us here or email hello@haroldhunter.org to connect! To reach out to Jae directly, you can reach them at jaeleecooper@gmail.com ! Follow us on Instagram @haroldhunterfoundation for updates on upcoming events and opportunities. |
Harold Hunter FoundationThe Harold Hunter Foundation (HHF) is a grassroots, community-based organization that provides support, opportunity, and advocacy for skateboarders in NYC and beyond. Archives
January 2024
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