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  Courtesy of Stoked.

Press Release:

 

This past week has been one of the most surreal experiences in STOKED’s history. The hurricane that many didn’t take seriously incapacitated New York City. The coastal community ravaged. Half of Manhattan without power. Mass transit shutdown.

 

The night of the hurricane I couldn’t sleep. Our office in the center of an evacuation zone was safe from flooding on the 9th floor, but I was fearful of our big, unprotected windows being blown out, or that our leaky roof would cave in and all our computers, paperwork, and equipment would be destroyed. We’re small. Damage like what I imagined could’ve ruined us.

 

So at first chance, I hopped in my car and went to the office. When I arrived at the building I saw our landlord and he said the building was fine but had no power. Still, I ran up 9 flights of stairs with knots in my stomach. I opened the door…and saw everything was fine.

 

We were so fortunate with the office, but my attention then turned to our little surf shack, storing all of our gear and supplies for our Surf Mentor program only feet from the beach in Rockaway. Rockaway was devastated and coordinating how and when we could make it there without interfering with critical relief efforts proved to be difficult. Luckily we have friends who confirmed with a picture that our surf shack was unscathed. Maybe it was some act of kindness, divine intervention, or karma, but our shack and equipment is all safe.

 

Despite our good fortune with our physical spaces, Hurricane Sandy didn’t leave STOKED unharmed. We need your help more than ever now. Our power has been out since last Monday, October 29, our students have been out of school for a week leaving them with no structured activities, and, most devastatingly, we have received word that a major fundraiser for one of our supporting foundations was cancelled due to Sandy’s destruction of the event space.

 

The cancellation of this fundraiser accounts for an estimated over 10% loss of our annual budget, a loss that equates to the funding needed for half of STOKED’s after-school programs. We have such a big month ahead of us. We can only get through it with the help of supporters such as yourself.

 

Thanks again for being stoked with us. Feel free to write me personally if you have any questions, comments, or ideas. Read below and get involved.

 

Sincerely,

 

Steve Larosiliere

President & Founder

 

JOIN STOKED THIS NOVEMBER

 

STOKED TO SERVE: SANDY RELIEF

 

On November 10, we’re organizing a huge service day to give back to the communities effected by the hurricane in New York City. Our goal is to get 100 STOKED youth and volunteers to do 400 hours of community service. Pledge to volunteer or to donate now.

 

#GivingTuesday – November 27

 

November 27 is going to be our biggest day of the year. There’s Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and now Giving Tuesday. If you ever wanted to get involved with STOKED, this is the day to do it. Make a commitment now to fundraise for us or make a donation.

 

2012 Stoked Awards – November 27 in NYC

 

Our last event of the year, and this year is a good one. The Stoked Awards celebrates success and achievement and on November 27 we’re honoring some really special people, one of which is actress and philanthropist Joy Bryant. To contribute to our amazing event, visit our site to get more information or buy tickets.

About Stoked

STOKED, a 501(c)(3) action sports youth development agency with offices in Los Angeles and New York, promotes personal development, academic achievement, and healthy living to under-served youth through action sports culture.

 

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