When Rob Pontes was diagnosed with ALS the guys over at REAL Skateboards did a lot more than just another ice bucket challenge to help their good friend pay for the outrageous medical costs he needs to fight the disease. They actually threw a skate event and made special decks, shirts and gear to help raise money for Rob to beat it.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, meaning that after only a few months of symptoms Rob went from popping nollie heels to having to have a friend piggyback him to the skateshop. His treatment is long and expensive, so his friends in the industry have teamed up to throw a series of benefit demos around the East Coast to help get Rob and his family through it.

Rob is a pillar of the New England skate scene who’s done more for shops, skaters, and skateparks there than can be summed up in a sentence, but in short he’s the definition of what’s best about skating – strength and a ‘never say die’ attitude.

The first event of the year took place on a wintry night in Rob’s hometown of Boston to a totally packed house at Subliminal Skate Shop. As the weather raged outside, the crowd watched some legendary skaters (Ellington, Shetler, Westgate and more…) #rollforrob. Check out some of the photos from the event, and, better yet, help fight Rob’s ALS by buying an Actions REALized benefit board, donating to the cause, or by keeping your eyes out for a Roll for Rob event near you.

The man of the night, Rob Pontes, surrounded by his best buds Grandison Tabor and Kevin Susienka.

Mad merch ready to be sold to fight ALS.

See, this dude’s repping the Roll for Rob gear hard!

Oh yeah, some skating went down too.

Justin Healey from Civil Skateshop cruises one across the coping.

Ellington with the classic flick.

Shetler got in on it with some bumble-bee socks on.

Westgate da gawd!

Jim Thiebaud all like, “Fuck ALS!”

Always great to see how many skate rats show up to support a good cause.

We got a video recap about the event and the campaign too! Check it out below:

Photos: Rob Collins
Special Thanks: REAL Skateboards
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