Skateboarding saves lives. That statement has been repeated millions of times because it's plain and true. Whether it serves as an escape from a life of drugs and violence, sanctuary from a rough home life or means of overcoming poverty, skateboarding constantly finds ways to make people's lives better. And the most beautiful thing about skateboarders that have been saved? They pay it forward. Off the top of my head I can think of dozens of examples of skaters giving back: just to name a few there's Skatepark of Tampa's Boards For Bros program giving underprivileged kids skateboards, Etnies donating thousands of shoes to Downtown LA homeless and Deluxe Distribution donating proceeds from decks designed for special causes in their Actions REALized series. One cause Deluxe recently championed is treatment for autism. Last year Deluxe's Jim Thiebaud teamed up with long-time Eastern Skateboard Supply sales representative, John Pike. "When it becomes personal is when I get drawn in," says Deluxe's Brand Manager, Jim Thiebaud. And it got personal real quick. http://espn.go.com/action/skateboarding/news/story?id=5301983
