
Support The Forte! Welcome to ESI and The Forte CT Skatepark
Donation protected
My name is Dustin,
This isn’t just a fundraiser — it’s a mission from my soul.
I’m here to honor my best friend and chosen brother, Zack Forte, who was taken from this world 26 years too soon… and to bring something our community desperately needs.
Skateboarding saved our lives.
It taught us discipline, grit, creativity, and resilience. It prepared us for adulthood when nothing else could. I believe every kid — no matter where they come from — deserves that same chance.
That’s why I’m asking you to join us and Support The Forte.
From boys and girls club, ESPN, Tony Hawk and more .. we aim to assemble skateboard avengers like us with the love of skateboarding to provide future generations with everything community,skateboarding and opportunity.
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Mission:
To create a world-class, eco-friendly indoor/outdoor extreme sports institute in Bristol, CT—the home of ESPN and Lake Compounce—that fosters athlete development, community engagement, and sustainability through The Forte (non-profit) and ESI (for-profit), with strategic partnerships to maximize reach and sustainability.
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Why We’re Raising Money
This first round of funding is about laying the foundation — legally, structurally, emotionally, and physically.
Your donations will help Support The Forte by covering the cost of:
• Filing and launching the official 501(c)(3) nonprofit
• Marketing and branding
• Eco-product development and early-stage outreach
• Selecting a diverse, community-driven board of directors
• Solidifying everything before we move into Phase 2 (facility, land, events)
This project isn’t about hype — it’s about hope.
Words and actions show love for the dream. Fundraising builds it.
A full investor deck, business plan, and pitch materials are available for serious partners. We’re not just dreaming — we’re building.
If you believe in kids, creativity, and second chances — Support The Forte.
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️ Why It Matters (And Why Now)
I lost both my parents young. Skateboarding gave me an outlet — a purpose.
It gave me confidence when I had none.
It gave me friendships I’ll never forget — especially Zack.
When he was killed by someone’s negligence, I knew I had to create something lasting in his honor. Something that saves others like we were once saved.
The Forte is that something.
We want to cement the Northeast as a true action sports hub. A place where professional legends, the Boys & Girls Club, ESPN, Woodward, Lake Compounce — and everyday kids — can all unite to uplift the next generation.
Every kid needs a safe place.
Every kid deserves a Forte.
Support The Forte.
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What The Forte Will Offer:
• A safe, inclusive, and inspiring year-round training ground
• Skateboarding, trampoline sports, climbing, and more
• Scholarships, mentorship, and trauma-informed programming
• Eco-conscious branding and facility standards
• Local events, community partnerships, and high-level competitions
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Want to Help More?
We’re looking for:
• Volunteers and community leaders
• Board candidates
• Strategic partners
• In-kind donations or media support
Please check out the links and rough plans below.
Donate. Share. Believe. Support The Forte.
Together, we shred and make skate history for generations to come
—
Dustin “Rat” Wolf
Founder – The Forte & ESI
Bristol, Connecticut
Please check out Rough plans below and links below to Support the Forte in more ways than one. .

Our community shop goes directly to The Forte ( switching from Shopify to local businesses soon!)
Dustin's Bristol Press interview
Dustin's NBC interview
Dustin's Bristol All-Heart Post
















And there’s much much more for the community and giving opportunity to athletes who want to pursue xgames and Olympics.
Organizer

Dustin Wolf
Organizer
Bristol, CT