I got my first pair of Vans in the early 80s when I started racing and have been sponsored by them numerous times individually and through various teams over the decades, and I still wear them daily on and off the bike.
A few weeks ago at Vans HQ in Orange County, when several of us were invited to take part in a documentary on Stephen Murray, I had the privilege of talking with Steve Van Doren and shared a little bit more about both my BMX Pro for a Week YMCA Summer Camp and BMX Pro for a Day School Program in San Ysidro.
Steve expressed a genuine interest in learning more about the programs and said Vans might like to get involved. I was so surprised when boxes and boxes of brand-new Vans arrived yesterday. Special thanks to Steve for his generosity. These kids are some of the most gracious and polite children I’ve been fortunate enough to work with. They express gratitude even for stickers, and I can only imagine many of them will be over the moon with a brand-new pair of Vans!
It sure does take a village, and I’m so thankful for both Steve and Vans’ generosity.
