August 20, 2019 – No Other Way is a fundraiser presented by The Center for the Arts in partnership with Goodtimes, Mint and SkateMD. Beginning at 5 PM on Saturday, August 31st, people of all ages can skate on quarter-pipes, enjoy art, music, and food in the parking lot of the Plaza Gallery off Brunswick.
Skate MD is on a mission a mission to heal hearts by spreading kindness and skateboarding to special populations of children facing developmental, physical, emotional or family challenges. Serving children who may not otherwise be able to pursue skateboarding, don’t have easy access to skateboard equipment or facilities, and/or those who just need some extra kindness in their lives.
The Northern California based non-profit organization was founded by Melanie Tillotson (the “M”) and Andrea “Drea” Bibelheimer (the “D”). Inspired by each other’s personal passions and contributions to at-risk and special needs children, Melanie and Drea joined forces as “partners in kind” with a mission to heal hearts by spreading kindness and skateboarding to special populations of children facing developmental, physical, emotional, or family challenges.
The program was created in 2014 in response to a viral video of a hate crime against a teenage boy with Autism. As members of skateboarding families and strong advocates of kindness, Melanie and Drea set out to empower children with exercise, positive interactions, and fun while increasing tolerance, compassion, and support within the community.
They provide one-on-one clinics for children ages 5-17 to experiment with skateboarding, to fine-tune skills, or to just have fun. The programs pay special attention to the individual needs of our participants. Participant coordination is facilitated by board member, Erik Nielsen (PT, DPT, PCS), a board certified clinical specialist; additional volunteer therapists are recruited for our clinics to support both volunteers and children. Each clinic also hosts approximately 70 amazing volunteers, 50-60 who are local area skateboarders.
SkateMD’s skateboarding clinics have benefited many northern California children including those with special needs, foster youth, and other at-risk children.
The Center for the Arts in partnership with Goodtimes, Mint and SkateMD invites you to the fundraiser at the Plaza Gallery on Saturday, August 31st. Beginning at 5 PM, people of all ages can skate on the quarter-pipes, enjoy art, music, and food! Live music with local rock band, Cherry Rats, starts at 8 PM.
Since 2000, The Center for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization, has grown into a leading presenter of music, dance, theater, comedy, literary, visual art and family programming. Typically, the Center presents more than 150 events per year from its location in downtown Grass Valley. The Center is currently underway in a major renovation of its multi-use 21,000 square foot facility in downtown Grass Valley. After the renovation, the Center will have a 490 seat main theater, a large visual art gallery, classroom space, and a 90-seat black box theater. For more information about the renovation, please reach out to The Center’s Executive Director, Amber Jo Manuel.
WHAT: No Other Way – A Benefit for SkateMD
WHEN: Saturday, August 31, 5 PM – 11 PM
WHERE: The Center for the Arts, Plaza Gallery & Parking Lot, 998 Plaza Drive Grass Valley 95945
WHO: The Center for the Arts and Goodtimes Boardshop have partnered with Skate MD for a fundraiser and skateboarding event. Local band Cherry Rats performs at 8pm.
ADMISSION: Free event from 5-8pm, $10 suggested donation for live music show from 8-10pm
SPONSORS:
Goodtimes Boardshop, Grass Valley: goodtimesgv.com 530-272-7751
Mint, Grass Valley: mintgrassvalley.com 530-272-6468