Longboard Directory Wish Project

I had a thought the other day. I was sort of grumpy regarding Christmas expenses, VISA bills, buying 300 gifts I couldn't afford, etc. I began thinking about why we give gifts... why do we spend our hard-earned money, and just throw it to the "wind"? Why bother?

The more I thought about it, however, the more I realized that giving gifts and spending our earnings to the benefit of others holds an incredible power. It can heal past differences, open doors to new friendships, encourage someone who could use it, and possibly even change a life. Being generous can create something that lasts - something that is remembered.

I began to think on a larger scale. I thought about the things that I have to be thankful for. My room is stuffed full of longboards. I barely have room for furniture. Money isn't exactly banging down my door, but at least I can survive and a bit more. I thought about what was in my capacity to give... what can I do to create a lasting memory of hapiness in someone's life?

Then something dawned on me.

Longboard Directory is very much still in its beginning stages, but the positive response and support it's had in just two months of operation has been phenomonal. The whole reason I built the site was so that for once, longboarding could have a fair and complete "buyer's guide", as well as to expand the market and give the smaller companies adequate coverage (ie. dirt cheap ads and free press releases, etc.).

But why be limited to just that? Okay, the so longboard scene might expand and technologically develop, there may be more interest, and the site might be able to generate enough revenue to host events and stuff over time... but does that really make a difference? A lasting one? (Don't worry, we will host events and spread the good word about longboarding... of course!). But maybe we can do something more...

This is my idea:

There are countless numbers of children - even young adults - that read surf and skateboard magazines (maybe even LBD?). But aside from all the excitement of seeing pictures of new boards, famous skateparks, tropical surf locales, famous surf spots, etc., a great number of them will never have a chance to go and see Hawaii's North Shore in their lifetime, or even afford a decent board.

We all have dreams, and for most of us, they are relatively attainable. However, there are several others who did not choose their family situation, their neighborhood or their physical condition that may never be able to live out some of these dreams. It is my goal to in some small way, make these "impossible" dreams possible. I want to be able to give something to others that they would never have been able to have otherwise. Especially to children.

This could be as simple as having free board give-aways, or it could be as special as perhaps sending someone on a surf trip with their favorite pro-surfer, or week of skateboard-camp, etc.. Something that the recipient would remember and cherish the rest of their lives. We can establish more details about the specifics later on.

Practically speaking, this will take money, organization, and help. LBD will indeed contribute a percentage of advertising revenue, but we need other sponsors as well. (No, this isn't a "sponsor a child" scam). We'll run a featured article on everyone we sponsor. When this idea goes offical, I will start up a "fundraising" page where you will be able to see every dime available in the fund. All donating companies and individuals will be listed, along with the exact amount that they donated (whether in products or monetary donations). All donations will be documented and sent to the sponsor as a receipt for tax purposes. All corporate sponsors will be featured on the the fundraising page, which will be a main page feature very frequently.

This is a very ambitious idea, and it will take alot more than just a nice article with a picture of an ocean sunset to accomplish anything . It will take hours of work on our end here at LBD, and it will take sponsors and help from those involved with the longboard skate and surf industry, as well as anyone else who wants to take part.

But for the one person for whom we might be able to create a lasting memory, or perhaps provide their dream board, it will be worth any expense and effort on our part, your part, and more.

Please send me any feedback, comments or suggestions you may have about this. Here are some points you may want to consider:

-How do we select appropriate candidates to sponsor (ie. who "deserves" this the most?) Are there Government agencies that specialize in this?

-What sort of insurance requirements/complications exist if we are able to send someone on a trip or a vacation?

- What is an effective way to gain sponsors? Who is willing to sponsor?

- What else can we do aside from trips and merchandise?

Any and all comments are welcome. Contact me here.

Sincerely,

-Chris Rempel, Longboard Directory