As we roll into a brand-new year (and decade!), we wanted to take a moment to reflect on everything that went down in 2019. It was a very exciting year!

With backing from the extended HHF community, 2019 marked the second year of the HHF Legacy Program. Once again, a group of 40 NYC skaters were connected with three coach-mentors trained through the Up2Us Sports Coach Across America program for 7-months of weekly skate sessions, 10 life-skills workshops, on-going support and mentorship, and enrichment activities--culminating in our annual week-long trip to Camp Woodward.

In addition, with the support of adidas Skateboarding, we hosted another successful Harold Hunter Weekend and teamed up with Beyond the Streets for a unique fundraiser featuring custom artwork by Mark Gonzales; we launched an online store with limited-edition HHF products; we sent two HHF Legacy Program members to participate in the inaugural Laureus Youth Leadership Summit in LA; we received a grant from the Sheckler Foundation; we hit the streets for the 13th Annual HHF Bridgerun; and HHF Executive Director, Jessica Forsyth, was invited to speak at the 2nd Annual Pushing Boarders conference in Sweden.

Other highlights included releasing an artist series skateboard deck with legendary urban art pioneer PHASE2 (sadly, this was his final collab ever; he passed away in December); collaborating with Zoo York--now under Old Management--on their second Zoo York x Founders capsule collection; and executing an extremely successful Crowdfunding Campaign where we not only reached our goal, but exceeded it!

Harold Hunter Foundation programs continue to have a deep impact on our youth, as they become part of a positive peer group where they receive guidance and support from credible messengers. Impact data found that 93% of HHF participants made gains in targeted social emotional learning outcomes, with the greatest gains in developing a sense of positive self-identity, enhancing social skills such as empathy, and expanding social capital.
​
​We are very proud of our progress and success to date. As always, thank you for your interest in and support of HHF. We look forward to bringing you more good news in 2020 and beyond!

We not only hit our fundraising goal, we exceeded it! Over the past 30 days we raised $21,732 (that's 109% of our goal!)—funds that will be used to support HHF programming in 2020 and beyond.

Huge shout out to everyone that got involved, whether you made a donation or simply spread the word—it’s all greatly appreciated!

HHF is a small, grassroots organization with limited resources, and none of this would be possible without the generosity of our supporters.

Thank you for helping us keep Harold’s legacy alive by providing a network of support, opportunity and advocacy for under-served NYC youth so they can thrive as skateboarders and most importantly, young adults.

LEGENDS NEVER DIE!

Over the next 30 days we're on a mission to raise $20,000--and we need your help! Please consider making a donation so we can keep HHF programming rolling steadily along in 2020 and beyond. And, please spread the word. We truly appreciate your support!

Check out our campaign video to learn how HHF programming has positively impacted the lives of long-time HHF mentor/coach Wade Yates and HHF Legacy Program participant Christian Alcantara.

Video shot and produced by Parlour Productions.

On Sunday, September 22nd, the 13th Annual HHF Bridgerun went down in NYC with funds raised in support of HHF's Skate Camp Scholarship program. Dozens of HHF supporters were in attendance to run, walk, skate and bike the 5-mile route.

Participants received a special edition Nike Dri-FIT event t-shirt designed by artist Curtis Kulig featuring a photo by Davide Sorrenti. If you missed the run and want a commemorative tee, limited quantities are available on the HHF online store here.

Special thanks to the NYC Bridgerunners for all their support and guidance, and Radeberger Pilsner who donated beer for the after party.

Wrap-up video shot and produced by Parlour Productions.

Today, Zoo York is releasing the second drop in its series of ZOO YORK x FOUNDERS capsule collections, created in collaboration with the brand’s founders, Rodney Smith, Eli Morgan Gesner and Adam Schatz. Earlier this year, the trio returned to the brand as creative directors.

The latest ZOO YORK x FOUNDERS release pays tribute to Harold, one of the Zoo Crew's original team members. To honor Harold’s memory, HHF will receive a portion of proceeds from the collection which is sold exclusively at ZooYork.com. Zoo has an ongoing relationship with the foundation, with Adam Schatz serving on the Board of Directors for more than a decade.

“Zoo York was such an important part of Harold’s life. We’re thrilled to be working with Zoo’s original management on a special collaboration honoring Harold’s legacy and benefiting HHF,” says Jessica Forsyth, Executive Director of the Harold Hunter Foundation.

The capsule consists of seven pieces, with most featuring archival photos of Harold accompanied by his legendary quotes. Key items include co-branded decks hand spray painted and signed by Eli Morgan Gesner, as well as short-sleeve and long-sleeve tees both emblazoned with Harold's image and the quote, “The little information I have, that’s what I know.” Additional items include a hoodie, beanie and waist bag, as well as a re-issue of a classic Zoo crewneck from 1995 with Harold’s name on the back.

To showcase the collection, Zoo York tapped AJ Rodriguez, a four-time recipient of HHF skate camp scholarships and a newly-minted member of the ZY skate team.

"It was a life-changing experience," says AJ Rodriguez about his time in California at HHF's summer camp program. "This mentally opens up kids' perspectives that these experiences even exist. You meet new friends and the socializing boosts your motivation to keep skating. Zoo York and its founders have carved such an important history and are so respected. It's an honor to be welcomed into the family."

ZOO YORK x FOUNDERS: DROP 002 is exclusively available online here.

On Thursday night, October 17, Vans hosted a special art/photo show at Artifact Gallery in NYC that benefited HHF programming.

MADE TOUGHER BY SKATEBOARDING featured a portrait series by Atiba Jefferson celebrating the Vans Drill Chore Coat with photos of John Cardiel, Amy Gunther, Nathan Fletcher, Geoff McFetridge, Jeff Han and Atiba Jefferson. In addition to photos, the participants designed custom Drill Chore Coats, each of which was auctioned off at the event with all proceeds donated to HHF.

There was a rad panel discussion hosted by Steve Rodriguez, and live performances by DJ Lloyd and Pretty Sick. Check out photos by Lauren June Kirsch.

On October 9, 2019 the 2nd Annual Skate & Serve charitable event was held at the Coleman Oval Skatepark in Manhattan's Lower East Side.

Skate & Serve is an ongoing collaboration between Trinity Wall Street and Go! Sports USA. At the LES event, free rentals and lessons were provided by some of NYC's top coaches, including several HHF members, and a panel discussion was held on the importance of skate sports and youth development.

Skate & Serve's mission is to have fun while providing service to the local community. The organization holds "brown bag" packing sessions so everyone can lend a hand in packing lunches for those in need.

Recap video shot and produced by Parlour Productions.

On Friday, September 27th, Skate Fest II went down at Ocean Hill Playground in Brownsville. The community event was organized by long-time HHF member and Brownsville native Wade Yates. It featured a pump track, contest, giveaways and scope meeting with city officials to discuss a proposed skatepark for the neighborhood. Wade has been advocating for the construction of a proper skatepark in Brownsville for many years now, and his efforts are beginning to pay off.

As Wade puts it, "Over the years I’ve gained the trust of the Parks Department by using my voice. They gave me an opportunity to help organize Skate Fest II. Skaters from Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx showed up to support, skate and win prizes. The community expressed how much they support the idea of bringing sport diversity into the neighborhood for the first time. The same people I grew up fighting with just to skate flat ground were at the meeting asking about the design of the park and interested in having something new here. I may have started this journey alone, but I’ve had about a hundred people help me get this far. Recently, the Parks Department has expressed to me that they want me to have all the control I can to make it the best skatepark in Brooklyn. But my goal is to make it the best skatepark in the entire city."

Keep up the great work, Wade! We're very proud of your determination and unwavering desire to better your local community. That's what it's all about.

Event recap video was shot and produced by Parlour Productions.