FAQs


Where and when is this year's event?
The 10th annual Mighty Mama Skate-O-Rama will be held Sunday May 12, 2012 at Laguna Niguel Skatepark, in Orange County, CA. Skatepark website is here.

How did the Mighty Mama Skate-O-Rama start? 
Barb Odanaka was looking for a unique way to celebrate the publication of her first children's book, Skateboard Mom, in spring 2004. She thought it would be fun to have a Mothers Day skateboard party, and figured she might track down four or five willing participants. Nineteen women rolled into the Laguna Niguel skateboard park that Mothers Day, including 80-year-old Liz Bevington! And the annual Mighty Mama Skate-O-Rama was born. 

Are all these women "moms"?
Not all. The Mighty Mama Skate-O-Rama welcomes skateboarding women of all ages and stages. We call our non-moms "aunties" (a term of respect in many Asian/Hawaiian cultures) and/or "Sisters of Shred." They are as much a part of the group as the moms.

Is the Mighty Mama Skate-O-Rama a competition? 
No. The event is all about stoke, camaraderie and sisterhood. Whether you attend as a participant or a spectator, one thing's for certain: you will witness some of the widest smiles you've ever seen! Check out this video of the 2009 event by skate mom Claudia Hoag to catch a glimpse of the Mighty Mama spirit.

Are guys allowed to participate?
Yes, though we respectfully ask that they bring their most chivalrous attitudes and think "Ladies First" on our special day. We especially appreciate the skateboarding gentlemen who take on a supportive role, helping to set up the event or offering a steady hand to a wobbly beginner. Oh, and don't forget to buy plenty of raffle tickets to support our designated cause!  :-)

Where does the money go that you raise through the raffle and silent auction?
Aside from nominal administrative costs of printing fliers and purchasing a couple rolls of raffle tickets, etc., all proceeds go to our designated charity. In 2013, proceeds will be used to build a children's library at the nonprofit Delhi Center in Santa Ana, which strives to boost the health and education of the surrounding community. 

Past MMSOR Rockin' Raffle proceeds have gone to LA-based FOCAL, aka Friends of Children and Literature, which brings the magic of books and reading to children throughout the Downtown LA region. FOCAL used our donation of $990 to help put on a week's worth of fun children's reading events between Christmas and New Year at LA's Central Library. Past proceeds have gone to Orangewood Children's Home's library, Rosie's Garage tutoring center, and the Mission Learning Center in San Francisco's Mission District.

I'm a business owner. How can I support the event?
The Mighty Mama Skate-O-Rama is greatly appreciative of the many companies who have supported us over the years. If you have goods or services (or cash) you'd like to donate to our raffle in exchange for some exposure at a stoke-filled, family-friendly event, please contact Barb. The Skateboard Moms are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. IRS number on request.

How do I buy raffle tickets? 
Tickets are sold in advance (contact Barb for where & when) and at the event, and prizes will be awarded throughout the event. Winners need not be present to win but must arrange to pick up their prize or pay to have the prize shipped to their home.

Is there a fee to participate in the Mighty Mama Skate-O-Rama?
Not for the Mighty Mama itself, sometimes the skatepark charges a $10/day fee for use. For more info, go to the Laguna Niguel skatepark website.

Are spectators required to pay the entrance fee? 
Non-skateboarding spectators can watch the event for free (and purchase raffle tickets).  If you plan to enter the skateboarding areas, you must first register with the skatepark office, sign a liability waiver and wear full safety gear!.

I'm not a skateboarder, but I'd like to support the event. How can I help?
Besides purchasing raffle tickets, there are always boxes to carry, banners to hang, raffle prizes to organize and many other tasks we'd love help with. If you're willing to donate a few hours of your time, please contact Barb. The event can be an excellent way for hard-working high school students to earn some community service hours.