Skatepark Mark and the first skateboard design The time has finally arrived to donate some skateboards. Over the past year and a half the nonprofit organization of 4Missoula has been busy establishing itself with organizational documents, branding campaigns, and a couple fundraising initiatives. Now, we are at a point where we can provide skateboards to at-risk and low-income kids in Western Montana...the fruits of our labor. There are so many people to thank and so many opportunities to connect our community and so many directions to go in that it's hard to know where to start. So, let's just not think about it and begin, or as I, Skatepark Mark, like to say, "we'll just work it out on the way down." Pictured here is me (SPM) with the first vinyl graphic application. With the help of Chris at Edge of the World and Tyler at Big Bear Sign Co. we were able to get 40 skateboards and custom graphics. The idea with the "Charity Deck" (pictured here) is that this board will not be a donation, rather will be available for sale with 100% of the proceeds going back into the drive to provide other FREE skateboards for kids. The progress of this movement will be tracked, documented, and likely communicated through a different (or maybe the same) newsletter. Hopefully folks will purchase a board and help the cause. It's truly a win/win. This board is classified as "merchandise" and in the next couple of weeks the 4Missoula.com website will facilitate the purchase of this board (and eventually other types of merchandise), but for now, if you're interested in purchasing your own Charity Deck, simply email mark@4Missoula.com and we'll get you hooked up! Everything with 4Missoula is a work in progress. We're learning all about what works and what doesn't and through all the challenges, and this applies to life, the most important thing to remember is to do it all with love. I firmly believe that no matter what we do if we do it with love we can't go wrong. So, with that I'll wrap up the first 4Missoula newsletter and I can't wait to send out the next, which will likely include the first "Donation Deck." It's going to be so sweet. :) Thanks to everyone involved. Sincerely, SPM