Gnarmads

A duo of New York City skaters, known as the Gnarmads, will set out this Fall on a cross-country bicycle journey from New York City to San Francisco as a fundraiser for local charities. Strength comes in numbers, and they need your help!


Hi, we are Bogdan and Matt Kruz, and with your help, we will cycle westward this September. We've been friends for over a decade, and have been shaped by the skateboard and cycling community here in NYC. We feel it is our turn to give back, and through events at local skate and bike shops we can connect with today's youth, encourage children to get out and be active, promote helping and giving back while connecting all of the skate and cycling communities along the way, nationwide.


Goals:


-Raise $2000 for Stoked Organization, which provides mentoring programs that promote personal development, academic achievement, and healthy living to under-served youth through action sports culture.


-Inspire kids to get active, be creative and participate in their local community; not to just receive but to also give back.


-Showcase local skateboard talent coast-to-coast, creating video episodes and connecting skate communities.


-Demonstrate that it is possible to be active and eco-friendly, in an age where technology seems to prevail above all else.


The Gnarmads will pedal across the country with multi-faceted aims in mind. Not only do they wish to raise funds for charities that are aligned with their personal beliefs, they also wish to spread their love of skate culture with everyone they meet. They'll journey from city to city, stopping at prominent skate shops and skateparks to connect with the local community, and create a constant stream of photo, video and written content as they progress, sharing their experiences each step of the way.


Bogdan and Matt Kruz have actively participated in community and after-school programs, most recently with CREATE Skateboard Foundation; allowing under-priveledged children the ability to learn to skateboard. Gnarmads have instructed large groups and individual skateboard lessons over the years.


Since returning from their recent 1200-mile cycling adventure from New York to Florida, the Gnarmads have organized two photo/art exhibitions and a skateboard contest for inner-city youth at Coleman Park Skatepark in NYC. In addition, the Gnarmads have conducted a multi-borough clothing drive that generated over 300 items for the Salvation Army and over 160 brand new items for children in the Harold Hunter Foundation.


To achieve both the physical and financial goals of this 4200-4800 mile journey, they require the generous support of the community to fund and promote their dedication to improving the lives and possibilities of the city's youth.


Sponsorship:


The Gnarmads have initially secured a pledge to donate $.05 to charity for each mile they ride. This is an important start; however, an amount of over $1 per mile is required to make a significant impact.


Whether you are an individual or a business that strives to make a difference, we cordially ask you to make your pledge. Tax-deductible forms for donations are available.


NYC to FL video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hpMopA-aqA