I noticed the Aladdin’s Genie skaterboard deck when I took this picture of Skateraid’s deck display at the Brick Store a week or so ago, but I didn’t realize that it was an actual Robin Williams signed deck.  I figured maybe it was just a nice quotation.  But apparently it was one of the last things Williams signed before he passed away in August.  (I’ve zoomed in on the deck from my original pic above, which explains the poor resolution.)

The AJC wrote about the deck last Friday, but it’s behind their paywall.  No worries, the Skateraid synopsis just as good…

This one-of-a-kind depiction of Aladdin’s genie, handpainted by artist Cody Gallo on a skateboard deck, was autographed by Robin Williams just a few months before he passed away. A lifelong supporter of children suffering from cancer, this autograph represents one of the actor’s final charitable acts. The piece is currently up for auction along with over 100 pieces of skateboard deck art.

“Aladdin’s Genie” is one of the highlights of the 10th annual SkaterAid festival and art auction benefiting the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children (now the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Georgia Chapter). Gallo and his family have supported and volunteered for SkaterAid since 2005, when the passing of Gallo’s childhood friend inspired the community to create the Decatur, Georgia fundraiser.

Gallo eventually left Decatur to pursue a filmmaking career in Hollywood, where he landed a job on the set of The Crazy Ones starring legendary actor and comedian Robin Williams. Although far from Decatur, Gallo felt drawn to contribute to the SkaterAid art auction for the first time this year. His proximity to Williams famous creative energy and nostalgia for a favorite movie from his childhood inspired Gallo to choose the whimsical genie from Aladdin as the subject of his piece.

Gallo showed the piece to Williams, saying that funds generated from the sale of “Aladdin’s Genie” would be used to help kids and their familes fight childhood cancer. He explained that the SkaterAid festival and art auction have helped raise $165,000 to date for families affected by this deadly disease. When Gallo expressed his hope that this tenth year would be SkaterAid’ most successful yet, Williams immediately offered to autograph the piece.

You can bid on the deck HERE.  Auction price is currently at $2,000.

Don’t forget that Skateraid’s final festival is September 28th from 2-7pm.  Check out all the decks up for auction HERE!

h/t: WENN