Skateboarding, Music, and Mental Health: How the Chunko Foundation is Making an Impact
The Chunko Foundation was established to honor the late Zac Chunko, a man known for his infectious humor and energy. “Zac was like a brother to me, and losing him left an emptiness that words can hardly express,” says founder Caleb Shenkman. “It was heartbreaking to watch someone so full of potential and vibrance fall into a cycle he couldn’t seem to break, no matter how hard he tried.” The Foundation’s mission is to “address mental health, support addiction recovery, and promote suicide prevention, while celebrating the vibrant culture of skateboarding and music — the things Zac cherished most.”
On October 12, 2024, the foundation hosted its inaugural event, the Zac Chunko Celebration of Life. Supported by six skateboarding sponsors and Lehigh Valley local businesses, the day-long event featured skateboarding sessions, live music, and communal gatherings from morning until sundown. The overwhelming turnout and near sell-out of event merchandise solidified the community’s support for the foundation’s mission.
In the years to come, the Chunko Foundation has outlined several key initiatives:
- Annual Skateboarding Contest and Community Day: This event will cater to various skill levels, from beginners to professionals, and will include live music, food trucks, and booths for community organizations. Prizes will consist of skateboarding gear, merchandise, and sponsored items.
- Auction and Raffle: To raise funds, the foundation plans to auction signed skateboards from renowned skateboarders Rodney Mullen and Tony Hawk. The auction will be complemented by a raffle featuring smaller prizes, such as gear and signed memorabilia.
- Advocacy and Skatepark Cleanups: Collaborating with local governments and skateboarding groups, the foundation aims to organize regular skatepark cleanups and advocate for public skateparks to be maintained as welcoming, safe spaces for all.
- Satellite Events: To expand its reach, the foundation plans to host smaller pop-up events in neighboring towns, including skate jams, workshops, and donation drives, in partnership with local businesses and skate shops.
- Donations of Skateboarding and Musical Equipment: The foundation will collect and distribute donated equipment, host recurring donation drives in collaboration with community groups, and allocate gear to participants in lessons and contests.
- Lessons in Skateboarding and Music: Offering free or subsidized lessons taught by experienced skaters and musicians, the foundation aims to empower youth and community members by fostering new skills and creative outlets.
The Chunko Foundation wants to serve a diverse community, including underserved youth, individuals struggling with mental health or substance abuse, and skateboarding and music enthusiasts. By providing access to programs and resources, the foundation seeks to inspire confidence, self-expression, and perseverance. Through advocacy and community engagement, it aims to improve public spaces and create inclusive environments. “Our efforts to honor Zac’s memory are a continuation of what we believe he would have done himself had he had the chance to establish such a foundation,” says Shenkman. “His loss is undeniably heartbreaking, but it has sparked a movement that we believe he would have been proud of.”
By sharing Zac’s story, the foundation wants to raise awareness and offer support to those facing similar challenges. “It’s a way to honor the person Zac was—the complexity, the brilliance, and the struggle,” says Shenkman. “By channeling my grief into action, I hope to carry his spirit forward and provide something positive in his name that could help others like him, who are fighting similar battles.” Through events, advocacy, and outreach, the foundation fosters a community where individuals feel supported, empowered, and connected, embodying Zac’s spirit and passions.
To help support this organization visit: The Chunko Foundation – Humanitarian Social Innovations