GOT7’s Ahgases are gearing up for a busy September of birthday projects, starting with Mark, followed by Youngjae and then Jinyoung.
Ahgases and the fan account OT7Ahga have joined forces to donate to Los Angeles’s Chill Foundation to celebrate Mark’s birthday (on September 4th). The Chill LA Foundation was established in 2000 and operates skateboard, surf and boardsports programs for youth from 10 to 18 years old who are dealing with various life challenges. The foundation works with various schools, youth agencies, social programs, and boardsports partners to provide these programs with all associated costs covered and barriers to participation removed and aim to help youth grow personally and see that there is a path out of their current circumstances. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Los Angeles chapter of The Chill Foundation has continued to provide underserved kids with much-needed programming, including physically-distanced skateboarding and surfing.
A skateboard changed Mark’s pathway in life. During a recent interview with the Chinese magazine Madame Figaro, Mark recalled his life journey and how a skateboard is the benefactor of his debut. In the interview Mark’s memories related to skateboarding connect many of his precious moments in life and one in particular; while chatting with his friends about skateboards in the campus, Mark remembers how one of his friends broke his skateboard, so he jumped on the table telling his friend to buy him a new one and in that moment Mark was spotted by a JYPE talent scout in the campus.
Ahgases know how Mark is devoted to helping others nurturing and flourish their dreams. As a young boy, Mark was given an opportunity that changed his life and helped him build a successful career and be the young man he is today. Mark’s love of physical activity contributed to his resilience and his perseverance. By supporting and donating to this foundation on behalf of Mark, the fan account (and the fanbase) hopes to help support the resilience, perseverance, and empowerment of the young adults who benefit from Chill LA programs. And to give back to the L.A.’s youth community in where Mark was raised and it’s part of his upbringing, the place where his family still resides and where he calls home.
Happy Birthday Mark Yien Tuan!
