Stoked Los Angeles Session

STOKED SESSIONS OLLIES INTO THE VENICE GRIND GALLERY IN LOS ANGELES FOR ANNUAL BENEFIT ART SHOW CELEBRATING OVER 50 OF LEADING ARTISTS IN THE SKATE, SURF AND STREET ART WORLDS

Art Show and Fundraiser Aids At Risk Youth and Brings Together Mentors

Los Angeles, Calif. April. 1, 2008 –Stoked Mentoring, a unique non-profit organization that develops innovative mentoring programs exposing “at risk” youth and their mentors to action sports as a means to develop and foster resiliency, determination and success, will be presenting their annual art show and fundraiser, Stoked Sessions, on Saturday April 19, 2008 at the Venice Grind Print & Art Gallery. This event will build awareness for the L.A. chapter and its mission, as well as host over 50 of today’s leading artists in the skate, surf and street art world. Listen to great music and bid on one-of-a-kind art while helping to support a wonderful and innovative cause.

The VIP Reception is from 7-9 p.m., which is when the bidding will open on the silent auction featuring 60 one-of-a-kind skateboard decks from the participating artists including Steve Caballero, Christian Hosoi, Chris Pastras, Abe Lincoln, Jr., Hit + Run, Todd Bradtrud, Eyeone, Joey Potts, and many more. Live entertainment will include several DJs and a live performance from Sunny Levine. The general public is welcomed from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., admission is $10 at the door. All proceeds benefit Stoked Mentoring.

Co-founded by Steve Larosiliere and Sal Masekela, with offices in Los Angeles and in New York, Stoked Mentoring through hands-on partnerships with social service agencies presents and oversees several programs yearly, including Snow Mentor, Skate Mentor and Surf Mentor. Responsible for developing the curriculum for each mentoring program and season, Stoked Mentoring recruits and trains program mentors and coaches, hand-match mentor and mentees, manage the mentoring relationship for optimal results and oversee follow up post-season.

“We look forward to bringing together young professionals in the advertising, entertainment, media and action sports industries for our annual Stoked Sessions L.A. event,” says Stoked Mentoring Founder and Executive Director Steve Larosiliere. “Our mission at Stoked Mentoring is to help children through action sports, mentoring and coaching and what better way to raise awareness and support for our organization by also honoring and showcasing art work from the surfing, boarding and skating community?”

The Venice Grind Print & Art Gallery is located in Mar Vista / Venice at 12222 Venice Blvd. The official art sponsors of Stoked Sessions are Stereo and Zoo York with supporting sponsors that include Veev, Sambazon and Peroni Italy Barefoot Wines.

Stoked Mentoring, Inc. is a registered non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. For more information on Stoked Mentoring please visit stokedmentoring.org or stokedsessions.com for the latest details on the event.