Funk has been burning the Race4Change promotions candle at both ends, toiling over hot latex-trimmed interesting networking opportunities at the US MotoGP in Laguna Seca last weekend, then on to the Ryan Sheckler Foundation’s ‘Celebrity Skins’ golf tournament at the Trump National Golf Club, just outside LA.
The weekend’s networking fun began with a flight booked to the wrong end of California. Not such a drama when you’re flying your own plane, but anyway, it all worked out in the end. Hooking up with Travis Clarke, manager of Mr Travis Pastrana, the friends gathered an all-star posse that included world class bike racer Chad Reed and PGA rookie of the year, über-golfer Rickie Fowler (below right). All the crew at Wasserman Media are right into Race4Change, totally supporting what we are trying to achieve in Africa.
MotoGP was ace. I was watching from the sofa here in the UK while Funk mailed pics from the circuit. Under the auspices of ex-pat Aussie Chad Reed, Oz rider Casey Stoner won the race, following a fire-breathing pass on Jorge Lorenzo at the infamous Corkscrew. Love it! Also love how Funk and Reed are keeping out of harm’s way here:
Afterwards, the Red Bull guests got to the podium for the prize giving. A dream ticket for sure. The following day was also remarkable!
For those of you (old guys like me) who don’t know, Ryan Sheckler is a skateboarding megastar. Turning pro at 13, Ryan has matured into one of the biggest names in the game. He is managed by megamom, Gretchen: a switched on business graduate who has taken her boy to the top. Ryan is incredible on a board – check these rushes out:
The Sheckler Foundation was created to make a difference in the lives of children and families in need. As Ryan and his brothers Shane and Kane explain in this video detailing the aims of the Sheckler Foundation, through special events, sponsorships and more, the Foundation partners with like-minded charitable organisations, to raise awareness and funds for its core causes of pediatric assistance, injured action sports athletes and developing communities. That was the aim of Monday’s celebrity fundraising day, which we were happy to support. It was held here:
Funk and the Race4Change crew had a great time with everyone on Ryan’s super-cool Celebrity Skins golf tournament. There’s a lot of crossover, not just between our organisational aims and ambitions, but also between our personalities and philosophies. We’re going to keep in touch with the Scheckler Foundation team (not hard when they’re all so easy on the eye) and consider how we can share some mutual Sheckler Foundation/Race4Change love later in the year. Could be great!
Meanwhile, you need to keep busy! Don’t forget the point of all this is to raise money for our cause of womens’ empowerment amongst the poorest people in Africa. Every cent you give goes straight to helping the poor, and all US donations are tax deductible!
Go to Race4Change.org/donate and SUPPORT US NOW! Ten seconds on Paypal is all it takes: we can all spare that and a few bucks! Thanks to all of our friends and supporters so far – still got a long way to go.
ps: pic of Trump course shamelessly nicked from Sheckler Foundation HayleyElizabeth’s Twitter feed. Follow Funkmeister Funk on Twitter as rallyfunk. Funk is a genuine Earth-loving superstar – everyone who works with him just adores his energy and commitment.
