The X GAMES got underway with BEHIND THE BIG AIR BENEFIT Wednesday night at Staples center. The exclusive party was a fundraiser for THE V FOUNDATION and STAPLES CENTER FOUNDATION on the City View Terrace at Staples. Party-goers had an opportunity to bid on customized skate decks, and a variety of other donated items at a silent auction, while they feasted on sliders, mini hot dogs, shrimp, sushi and other buffet delicacies.

The highlight of the event, hosted by ESPN'S DANA JACOBSON, was a bird's eye view of the Big Air practice session, where skateboaders plummeted down a ramp set up at the very top of Staples and soared through the air of the arena trying to land on a second ramp while performing tricks in the air.

THE V FOUNDATION for cancer research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late basketball caoch JIM VALVANO. Since 1993 it has raised more than $60 million for cancer research grants nationwide. For more info go to: www.jimmyv.org.

THE STAPLES CENTER FOUNDATION has established a number of partnerships in the Los Angeles community to assist charities in raising funds and awareness for their causes. For more info go to: www.staplescenterfoundation.com

watch the video

watch the interview with Garcelle Beauvais Nilon

watch the video

watch the interview with Garcelle Beauvais Nilon