Welcome to the Venice Church Yard Dogs’ website.  We are supported by the Venice United Methodist Church, parents and guardians, neighbors and local businesses.  We hope that our success will inspire other local organizations and communities to support not only skateboarding but BMX and in-line skating and the youth that love these sports.

Here's what we began with:

· Seed money of $1500 from Venice United Methodist Church (VUMC);

· a Skateboarding Instructor (works 3 days a week, 3 hours a day $10/hr.);

· a half-pipe (valued at $30,000) and several broken down ramps and boxes;

· 38 boys and girls ages 8-16 who have signed up and skate regularly at ramp site;

· occasional use of a 7-passenger van to visit skate parks and go to competitions and skateboarding demonstrations ;

· the pastor who serves as team manager – who has only just started skateboarding;

· use of SkatePark Association's 4 skateboards for those who don't have their own;

· Night lights at the ½ pipe.

Here's what we need:

· Helmets and pads;

· Skateboards, trucks and wheels (if you don't know, trucks are the parts that connect the wheels to the boards)—we lend them to those who don't have boards but would like to give them to those who don't have any in exchange for work on and around the ramp and campus or as prizes for local competitions;

· Gas money and extra transportation for events, including drivers;

· Enough money to pay for the continuation of an instructor past January (The instructor is also a young adult presence to mentor and supervise the youth and tend their injuries.);

· Replacements for broken and used up equipment (boards, trucks and wheels, skateboarding shoes (they last about 3 months because of the friction of the grip tape on the soles of the shoes), team shirts;

· Sponsors – whose logos we can sport on our shirts and equipment;

· A newsletter.

Why might you be interested in supporting the team:

· because there are no other public programs supporting the training and healthy expression of skateboarding in Venice;

· for some good advertising;

· pride in a Venice legacy – skateboarding;

· because the team is made up of youth from all economic backgrounds and, through the team, diverse youth come together through a common interest promoting peace;

· because having youth with something to do and a place to go – that encourages respect, determination, balance, cooperation, and faith in oneself and something greater than oneself – is better than the alternative.

· because without your support this program cannot long endure; and

· finally, because it's a good thing to do.

We are continuing our once a month barbecues at the ramp. You are invited to come to our next one.  Call us or Check out our website often for details.  The BBQ and a local skate competition usual goes from 4 to 8 p.m. While you're at it, visit our church's website at www.veniceumc.org.

If you are interested in volunteering your service please call Pastor Tom at the Venice United Methodist Church 310-391-2314, or e-mail us by clicking here.

If you want to donate money to the program please mail or deliver your check to, and payable to, Venice UMC, 1020 Victoria Ave., Venice, CA 90291 (memo: Venice CYD)

If you would like to be a team sponsor please give Pastor Tom a call at the above phone number and he'll talk details.

The Venice United Methodist Church is a 501.c3 non-profit corporation.  Your donations are tax deductible.

Thanks for your consideration.

Blessings and peace,

The Venice CYD