Skateboarding team 'The Soup Mafia' raises $2,000 forWounded Warrior Project

Blairsville Bikes and Boards Owner, Randy Denniston with Soup Mafia team captain, Chris White.

On June 21st, National Go Skate Day, Blairsville Bikes and Boards skateboarding team, The Soup Mafia, had a great turn out for Wounded Warrior Project Fundraiser held at Mountain High Skate Park in Hayesville, N.C. The Soup Mafia consists of 30 plus of the best and most dedicated skateboarders in the tri-county area. These teammates ages range anywhere from 9- 25 years old. Noticeably there is diversity in ages, yet all of them share the same goal which is to promote the art of skateboarding in a consistently positive way.

Mountain High Skate Park played a big role in the fundraiser by allowing the Soup Mafia to utilize the park for the event and also by donating all of the days earnings to the fundraiser. The event kicked off at 4:00 p.m. with Hayesville's VFW Post 6812 as Honor Guard. Chuck Reiford, bugle player and member of Post 6812, joined them to salute the Colors. Then Soup Mafia captain, Chris White, 23, a combat veteran with Charlie Company 3rd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment, spoke of his time overseas, and what a humbling experience it was. He thanked the veterans who were present that served in WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He also thanked Mountain High Skate Park and mentioned how it may as well be called a 'second home' to the team. "I think this is the best thing that has been built for the youth in this area yet. It keeps the kids out of a trouble. It's a great atmosphere for kids and adults alike and I'm very thankful that they allowed us use their park for our fundraiser. We really rose above our expectations all thanks to the community effort. We thoroughly appreciate all the donations, and their names will be placed on a thank you banner which will hang at the park."

Hayesville VFW Post 6812 at Mountain High Skatepark.

After saluting the colors, generously donated prizes were raffled, followed by a best trick contest. Overall, the Wounded Warrior Project Fundraiser was a great success, and the Soup Mafia plans to do it again next year.

Left: 1st Place winner for best trick contest, Chris Littlefield of Franklin, N.C. Raffle ticket winners with prizes.