Exhausting instances for Exhausting Occasions Skate Store not lasting lengthy as proprietor recovers from retailer injury

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – It seems so much completely different within the Exhausting Occasions Skate Store on Afton Parkway.

The day after Christmas, the proprietor Tony Herndon noticed water leaking from the ceiling after freezing pipes burst within the vacant residence upstairs.

“It was a collective effort, I couldn’t have finished it with out the assistance of everyone that helped me,” Herndon stated. “Teamwork makes the dream work.”

For the final two weeks, he’s been working within the store along with his skate buddies to get the water out, make repairs and paint.

“This [upcoming] week, we’re going to attempt to substitute the money register and a number of the issues we misplaced,” Herndon stated.

Final Monday, Herndon shared with 10 On Your Side, a number of the stock was moist. The money register, card machine and a backup laptop computer have been all destroyed.

Herndon is from Portsmouth, and he’s recognized for his petition to save the skate park close to his store in 2021. In 2022, he hosted a free youngsters skate camp and a Juneteenth skate competitors.

He’s one in all few Black-owned skate shops in the country, which he believes is his true goal – illustration. 

“It exhibits youngsters that they will do no matter they wish to do,” Herndon stated.

Many supporters donated to his GoFundMe to assist him substitute the broken objects and get a brand new renters insurance coverage coverage for the 12 months.

“I don’t do it for the accolades, however to see that folks really discover what I’m doing,” Herndon stated, “and it has a optimistic impact on them. That makes me really feel nice.”

He hopes to reopen by Friday of this week.

“Thanks, neighborhood! You guys are superior,” Herndon stated. “I’d have by no means anticipated this overwhelming help.”