Local non profit society sk8shoes4kids got a big boost as amateur and professional skate boarders took to an indoor halfpipe for Bro Hymn 3 at Element Club Bar and Grill in Castlegar on Saturday, July 6.
Element general manager Florio Vassilakakis said $1,400 was raised through door proceeds.
The event is held to provide shoes to local youth who want to enjoy the sport and the society exists to help nurture a sense of community and give kids a positive outlet. The society was established in memory of Josh Evin, a local professional skateboarder who passed away in 2010.
Justin Evin, Josh's brother and owner of HTR Designs in Castlegar, said the society works with a number of partners including Freedom Quest Regional Youth Services.
Josh's mother Elaine Evin, brother Cody Pottery and cousin Trevor Frame were all working hard with Element staff and volunteers to pull the event together on Saturday.
"I worked for three days putting the ramp in here," said Frame. "I had help for about three hours and smashed my hand bringing some pieces of the ramp in."
About a dozen boarders appreciated the effort and flew surprisingly high off the 1.2 metre ramp throughout the night. They were pumped up by the sounds of three DJ's, including Josh's brother Cody.
Justin's company produced shirts with Josh's likeness, which were available for sale.
Skateboarder Andrew Doyle said it was his first time participating.
"I'd known Josh since about the age of 16," said Doyle. "I was a bit older but I know the family and a lot of his friends and wanted to come out and support them."
Doyle added skateboard is a "source of life" for those who enjoy it.
Josh's mother said Josh had an adventurous spirit and was instrumental in getting a skateboard park established in Castlegar.
"He was always getting in trouble for skateboarding where he shouldn't be," she laughed.
Donations to sk8shoes4kids are accepted at HTR Designs, JJS's Fashions, Bell Mobility, Freedom Quest, Lions Head Pub, Johnny's Grocery and Street Dreamz Boardshop. they can also be made through Paypal on their website or at their Heritage Credit Union bank account.