Skateboarding Community Rallies for Kid in Need

SAN CLEMENTE, CA--(Marketwired - Feb 26, 2015) - Today, Professional Skateboarder and Philanthropist, Ryan Sheckler and the Sheckler Foundation are proud to announce Hope for Carter as its fourth "Be the Change" recipient. As the recipient, Hope for Carter will receive a $10,000 grant from the Sheckler Foundation.

Pro Skateboarder and Sheckler Foundation Founder, Ryan Sheckler says, "Thank you to all the supportive individuals who submitted entries, voted and rallied with us here at the Sheckler Foundation! I would like to congratulate Carter on becoming our 4th 'Be the Change' recipient!"

Carter is a 12-year-old boy who suffers from a rare form of Eczema that has taken over his whole body and Asperger Syndrome; a type of autism. The skin disease has made everyday tasks like showers excruciatingly painful for Carter. Before the initiative, Carter had lost hope both because of his condition and relentless teasing and bullying by the kids at school. With the help of the Sheckler Foundation's "Be the Change" initiative and the skateboarding community rallying behind him, Carter has hope again.

During the voting process, Carter was so moved by Taylor's Journey with a Traumatic Brain Injury, he decided that if he won the $10,000 grant, he would split half of it with Taylor because she really needed the support as much as he did. When Taylor Pearcy's parents were told of Carter's gift to Taylor, they were awestruck. They too had decided to split the grant with Carter if they were to win. After hearing about Carter's good deed of paying half of the financial support he received forward, Ryan Sheckler said, "Wow! This is why we do what we do! This is amazing." Ryan then made the decision to personally write out a check to Carter to ensure he gets $10,000. Past "Be the Change" winners Peach's Neet Feet and The Ashley Wade Foundation have caught the bug to pay it forward and will also donate shoes and baskets for Carter and Taylor.

Director and CEO of the Sheckler Foundation, Gretchen Sheckler-Hachee says, "The Sheckler Foundation's goal through 'Be the Change' is to create awareness for all four finalists by using our global platform to share their stories. The voting and rallying is not for the sake of competition. It is intended to create a ground swell of support for each of our four finalists; showing what can happen when we activate our community to get involved with causes that matter. Creating awareness creates change!"

Ryan Sheckler's "Be the Change" initiative was created to help injured action sports athletes and children in need. Since starting in 2008, the Sheckler Foundation has been paying it forward to help numerous individuals and causes. The past three "Be the Change" winners include: The Port Gamble S'Klallam, Peach's Neet Feet and The Ashley Wade Foundation. For additional info on The Sheckler Foundation, stay tuned to: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and visit shecklerfoundation.org.

About The Sheckler Foundation:
Founded in 2008, The Sheckler Foundation was created as an avenue for Ryan Sheckler, his family, friends and business associates to give back to the community and industry that they are so grateful for. Fueled by the desire to contribute to the many causes that directly benefit and enrich the lives of children and injured action sports athletes, The Sheckler Foundation will produce fundraising events, passion projects and web-based initiatives to raise capital and awareness. Our ultimate goal is to empower our community to "Be the Change!"