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LA Marathon Official Charities Program
If you'd like to use your L.A. Marathon effort to raise money for charity, please review the list of L.A. Marathon Official Charities below and call the one(s) that interest you. The Official Charity Program for the 2008 L.A. Marathon and Acura L.A. Bike Tour is an excellent way to make your participation more meaningful and to motivate you when the going gets tough. Through this program, local and national charitable organizations use the L.A. Marathon events as a platform to raise money for their organization and to increase their profile in the community. Since its inception in 1987, the program has been hailed as "Million Dollar Morning" in recognition of the more than a million dollars raised annually and the more than seventeen million dollars that has been raised to date for a number of worthwhile concerns. Runners and cyclists are encouraged to support the charities by raising per-mile pledges from friends, family and co-workers. Some Official Charities hold fund raising events at their designated mile on the L.A. Marathon course. Among the 12,000 volunteers lining the 26.2 mile course are a large number of people representing the L.A. Marathon Official Charities. At each of their miles, their energy and inspiration proves highly motivational to the 20,000+ marathoners, particularly those who have been moved to raise money for any and all of the worthwhile charitable concerns detailed below.
Ability First Contact: Julie Benn (626)396-1010 ext. 334 AbilityFirst provides programs and services for children and adults with
Activities for Retarded Children Executive Director, Jane Sarture 818-762-4365 Activities for Retarded Children provide therapeutic recreation and socialization for the developmentally disabled, with emphasis on appropriate behavior, which is accomplished through a variety of activities.
AIDS Marathon Training Program Ginger Williams 213-201-1400 AIDS Marathon Training Program is geared to both beginners and experienced runners. The program starts with three miles of running and walking, and then gradually increases in distance. Your running coach will be on hand each weekend to answer your questions and give you valuable advice and encouragement. Money raised will support AIDS Project Los Angeles and the many essential services it provides for people with or at risk for HIV/AIDS through the Los Angeles area.
ALS Association Contact: Lynda Bartlett (714) 285-1088 The ALS Association –Orange County Chapter provides support services to people with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) and their families at no charge. These services include resource assistance, support groups, loans of communication devices, power and manual wheelchairs and other medical equipment, an annual children’s “Climb Above ALS” day, an annual educational symposium, newsletters, advocacy, and the services of a case manager and Director of Patient Services. The Chapter also contributes to nationally-driven research to find a cure.
American Cancer Society
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Contact: Laura Levinsky 818-593-8110 The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is the leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research and education, and to reaching out to people with mood disorders and those impacted by suicide. The Los Angeles Chapter of AFSP offer programs and presentations for local high schools, community and networking groups, along wkith referral services for support groups, training in support group facilitation, and survivor support outreach. Our annual events include a Community Walk – Out of the Darkness, a National Survivors of Suicide Conference, Golf Tournament and Dining Out Night – Appetite for Life.
American Heart Association Contact: Juliana Smith (213) 291-7000 Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in America. Stroke is the #3 cause of death in America. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association are a national voluntary health agency whose mission is “Building Healthier Lives, Free of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke.” Progress toward that mission is accomplished through research – more than $5 million to institutions in Los Angeles in 2007 – community education programs, advocacy, education for healthcare professionals and patient services.
Animal Match Rescue Team Contact: Laura Beth Heisen 818-773-1469 We at Animal Match Rescue Team, Inc. are all volunteers, working to reduce pet overpopulation and euthanasia by: · Saving shelter animals' lives. Visit www.AMRT.net, see photos and descriptions of pets impounded at shelters, fall in love and go save your favorite! · Increasing Spay and Neuter. · Helping animal shelters provide more humane care. · Encouraging responsible pet ownership Every penny raised at the 2008 L.A. Marathon will fund AMRT's "Marathon Spay Days," providing free spays and neuters for dogs, cats, kittens and puppies in Los Angeles City. · One dollar a mile will neuter one Cat. · Three dollars a mile will spay one Pit Bull. · Fifteen dollars a mile will spay and neuter an entire Litter of Kittens or Puppies and their Momma.
The Arthritis Foundation Contact: Amy Robertson 323-954-5760 www.californiacoastclassic.com Visit their website to find out information about the 2008 Arthritis Foundation Amgen California Coast Classic Bike Tour.
Blind Childrens Center Contact: Laurie Headley 323/664-2153, ext. 342 The Blind Childrens Center (BCC) offers early intervention and specialized education and training for children, ages 0-6, who are blind or visually impaired, building the solid foundation for their for their future learning. BCC programs include: the Infant Program; the Home-Based Component of the Infant Program; the Educational Preschool Program; Kindergarten, Parent Mentor Program and Family Services. Additionally, the Center has published a series of 18 educational booklets that have been distributed worldwide, including two training manuals and two videos. The Center also funds research projects which investigate the causes of childhood blindness.
Caring for Carcinoid Foundation
(The) Child S.H.A.R.E. Program, Inc. Contact: Tiffany Anderson (818) 243-4450 ext. 13 Through an ecumenical church community, Child SHARE recruits and supports foster and adoptive parents for abused and abandoned children. Since its inception in 1985, Child SHARE has found homes for over 2,200 children, AND, since 2001, one out of three foster children placed in a Child SHARE home is adopted by that same Child SHARE family—more than DOUBLE the national adoption rate. Child SHARE brings lifelong relationships, love and a hopeful future to a child at risk of being alone and fearful in a difficult system.
Chinatown Teen Post Contact: Mr. Don Toy (213) 680-0876 Organized and incorporated in 1970, Chinatown Teen Post is an organization working with youth, adults, and senior citizens. Our primary concern is for the betterment of the Chinatown and surrounding communities.
Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles Contact: Gail Williamson 818-242-7871 The Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles enhances the welfare of people with Down Syndrome and their families throughout the development and promotion of education, counseling, employment and recreational programs and works to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of Down Syndrome.
Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles Contact: Rebekkah Halliwell (310) 670-2870 The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles will ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences, and will prevent, control and cure epilepsy through services, education, advocacy and research.
The Fregenet Foundation Contact: Tafesse Woubshet (310) 344-5409 The Fregenet Foundation is dedicated to providing free early childhood education for the children of Ethiopia whose families cannot afford it. The student body will be comprised of children from poor families, HIV/AIDS orphans, and disabled children. Doors will not be closed to anyone based on race, ethnicity, or gender. As our organization grows, we will cultivate partnerships with health agencies, community organizations, orphanages, and agencies that can sponsor students in subsequent grade levels.
Great Leap Contact: Tarabu Betserai 213-250-8800 Great Leap is a Los Angeles based multicultural performing arts organization dedicated to creating and presenting original works in theatre, music, and dance. Through the creative and collaborative process of performances, workshops and community residencies, Great Leap works with professional artists and community partners to instill a deeper understanding and a sense of connection between diverse peoples. Founded in 1978 by Artistic Director Nobuko Miyamoto, Great Leap promotes cross-cultural exchange with local and national audiences.
Greenway Arts Alliance Contact: Laura Richter 323-655-7679 Greenway Arts Alliance is a not-for-profit organization located on the campus of Fairfax High School in Hollywood. Greenway’s mission is to utilize the performing arts to create a bridge between a broad constituency of artists, educators, community members, and students; to produce inspiring professional theatre and performing arts productions that represent and reflect the rich diversity of Los Angeles; and to utilize its role in the community to service at risk high school students through Greenway’s Voices Unheard, a comprehensive in-class and after-school visual and performing arts educational outreach program. Greenway believes in the power of the arts to inspire and stimulate; it commits to passing on knowledge and experience to the next generation; it aspires for a genuine, deep engagement with its community.
Hostelling International-USA Contact: John Estrada (310) 393-6263 x25 One hundred percent of the funds raised by Hostelling International-USA (HI-USA) as a participant in the City of Los Angeles Marathon "Official Charities" program goes to support the HI-USA Discover Your World youth education program. The Discover Your World Program teaches environmental and marine science education, interpersonal skills and intercultural understanding to students from throughout the greater Los Angeles area. The program takes place at the HI-Los Angeles South Bay Hostel in San Pedro with a special emphasis given to serving economically and educationally disadvantaged youth. Founded in 1934, the mission of HI-USA is "to help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people, through hostelling." The desired outcome is that "hostellers become caring world citizens who are catalysts for intercultural exchange and understanding, and who are stewards of the earth."
ICAN Associates Contact: Lorraine Abasta (626) 455-4585 The Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse (ICAN) Associates is a private non-profit organization that supports ICAN. ICAN is the largest county-based child abuse and neglect council in the nation developing services and programs for the prevention, identification, and treatment of child abuse and neglect.
Inside Out Community Arts Contact: Jonathan Zeichner (310) 397-8820 Through visual and performing arts workshops, performances and festivals, our mission is to give youth from all backgrounds the tools, confidence and inspiration to make a positive difference in their communities and the world... from the inside out. Since 1996 Inside Out has been providing free after school programs for LAUSD Students and other underserved youth and families in Los Angeles County. The LA Marathon is a critically important fundraiser for Inside Out.
Jenesse Center, Inc. Contact: Karen Earl (323) 299-9496 Jenesse Center, Inc. was founded in 1980 by five women of color who were survivors of domestic violence. Our continuing mission is to provide victims of domestic violence with a comprehensive, centralized base of support to assist them in addressing their immediate crisis and changing the patterns of their lives.
LA County Department of Children and Family Services Contact: Michael Wrice (213) 739-6202 Our Vision: Children grow up safe, physically and emotionally healthy, educated and in permanent homes. Your Donations and Support: All donations are disbursed in the form of scholarships to help foster children succeed in life through higher education. Your support will help ensure the success of these college-bound foster students in spite of their encounters with child neglect and abuse.
LA City Camp Contact: Brian Selem 310-442-1644 Formed in 1992 in response to the Los Angeles riots, L.A. City Camp brings aid to underprivileged children in the inner city. Their goal is to expose children to role models, mentors, career possibilities, as well as give them a break from the stress of their environment. Woven throughout the camp is a message to stay in school, stay off drugs, avoid gang life and most importantly, to strive for excellence in all they do.
LeRoy Haynes Center Contact: Georgia Rudolph (909) 593-2581 x. 582 The LeRoy Haynes Center for Children and Family Services mends the body, mind and spirit of emotionally troubled or abused child by providing the specialized treatment and educational services the entire family needs to form and maintain healthy productive relationships. The Center serves children of Los Angeles County by providing residential care, special education, after school and mental health programs.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Contact: Stefany Wilson (310) 846-4709 Team In Training (TNT) is celebrating its 20th anniversary of saving lives! TNT is the signature fundraising campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and the #1 fundraising, endurance-training program in the world. The mission of the Society is to: cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of live of patients and their families.
National Brain Tumor Foundation Contact: Rob Tufel 1-800-934-CURE x107 The National Brain Tumor Foundation is a nationwide non-profit organization serving people whose lives are affected by brain tumors. We are dedicated to promoting a a cure for brain tumors, improving the quality of live and giving hope to the brain tumor community by funding meaningful research and providing patient resources, timely information and education. To learn more, visit our website, email info@braintumor.org or call us at 800-834-CURE(2873).
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Southern California Chapter Contact: Krisztina Quick 310-479-4456 Join friends and family by participating in Marathon Strides Against MS and help raise money for MS programs and research by participating in the LA Marathon as well as the other marathons and triathlons supporting the MS Society.
Our House - A Bereavement Center Contact: Pauline Canny (310) 475-0299 www.ourhouse-grief.org Our House is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing grief support services, education, resources and hope to the Los Angeles community at our two locations in West Los Angeles and Woodland Hills. We provide in-house support groups for children who have had a Mom or Dad die and for adults who have experienced the death of a spouse/partner, parent, sibling, or child. We also provide grief education for medical students attending UCLA's Geffen and USC's Keck Schools of Medicine and we conduct on-site grief support groups in schools throughout Los Angeles. Each year, our house serves thousands of children, adults, and families.
Public Counsel Contact: Harry Batt (213) 385-2977 Public Counsel is the largest pro bono law office in the world, and the official public interest law firm of the Los Angeles County and Beverly Hills Bar Associations. It provides free legal and social services to the most vulnerable members of our community including abused and abandoned children, homeless families and veterans, victims of domestic violence, elderly victims of consumer fraud and refugees fleeing torture, abuse and death threats. Last year, with the help of over 3,700 volunteer lawyers, law students, social works, and other professional, Public Counsel assisted over 26,500 people (including 6,400 children) and too non-profit organizations, ultimately providing more the $66 million in free services. Since it was founded in 1970, Public Counsel has recruited and trained over 30,000 volunteers and provided over a quarter of a billion dollars in free assistance. No pro bono public interest law firm in the world does more to help so many people.
Rebuilding Together Contact: Cy Baumann (949) 854-9605 Rebuilding Together is dedicated to preserving home ownership by providing home repairs and modifications through the support of community volunteers, corporations, civic and faith groups. These services are provided to low-income homeowner-residents from Ventura County to San Diego and from South Bay LA to the San Bernardino Mountain communities.
R.A.C.E. to the Last Child Contact: Donn Cottom (323) 815-1054 Contact: Joe Harding (310) 613-6300 www.rotary.org The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is leading a global effort to certify the world polio-free by 2005. Funds raised are providing much needed polio vaccine, operational support, medical personnel, laboratory equipment and educational materials for health workers and parents. Once eradicated, polio will be the second disease after smallpox ever to be eliminated. Donations start as low as US $.50(cost of one vaccine). Help make history. How many miles to eradication?
Rover Rescue Contact: Cathy Rubin 310-379-0154 Rover Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and placement of homeless dogs from overcrowded Los Angeles area animal shelters. We are also committed to reducing the rate of euthanasia through our very successful Spay/Neuter Voucher Program for low income residents, humane education programs, and educating the public about responsible pet ownership. Rover Rescue has rescued and placed nearly 1,000 dogs since our inception in 2001.
Run to Win Contact: Fred McCullen, Coordinator Phone: (626) 824-4041 Run To Win is a partnership of volunteers from local Christian churches and ministries that who will produce 15th Annual Runners’ Chapel for the 2008 LA Marathon. Open to all marathoners of any faith, the service will take place just a one-minute walk to the start line at the Morning Star Christian Church where runners can come to worship together with other believers. This year RTW will be at the Expo to answer your questions and we’ll provide exciting Sunday morning entertainment at a number of sites along the course for runners and spectators once again this year.
Sojourn Services for Battered Women & Their Children Contact: Catalina Rodas (310) 264-6646 ext. 227 Sojourn is a victim services agency based in Santa Monica. Since 1977, Sojourn’s mission has been to assist women and children overcome the devastating effects of domestic violence. A 24-hour bilingual hotline, crisis shelter, comprehensive children's and community education program, court advocacy and support groups serve all classes, cultures and religions including the traditionally underserved such as lesbians, women with HIV, prostitutes and substance dependent.
Sound Art Contact: Sura Radcliffe 310 479 2676 Sound Art provides a musical outlet for children desperate for self-expression. We engage children of all ages in music education giving access to the tools of popular music and the guidance of professional musicians as instructors. With Sound Art, students awaken creativity, discover their voices and experience success.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Contact: Mariana Vargas St Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fund-raising organization. When you run or walk as a St.Jude Hero, you inspire hope in children fighting cancer and other catastrophic illnesses. By raising money as a St. Jude Hero, you will support the life-saving research and treatment conducted daily at St. Jude. Find the Hero that lies inside of you.
Team HEAL Contact: Barbara J. Shields (310) 645-8347 Team HEAL(Helping to Enrich Athletes' Lives) Foundation, Inc. - Mission Statement: To bring comprehensive injury prevention, medical care, athletic training, healthcare awareness, mentoring an academic support to high school student athletes in underserved communities. At the present time, Team HEAL provides services to Banning, Carson, Crenshaw and Manual Arts High Schools. Their athletic trainers at each site provide physical conditioning and rehabilitative therapy as well s medical care daily for injured athletes. These trainers are also present before, during and after the schools’ athletic events. Funding for Team HEAL is strictly from charitable grants and donations. All funds raised go toward medical supplies and equipment for the training rooms and the salaries of the Certified Athletic Trainers.
Team Parkinson Contact: Edna Ball (866) 822-CURE Team Parkinson was formed to increase public awareness and understanding of Parkinson's disease, promote unity within the Parkinson's community, and raise funds for the ongoing research and study of Parkinson's disease, with the goal of discovering a cure or better treatment.
The Wellness Community – West Los Angeles Contact: Erin Morrison 310-314-2555 When cancer is diagnosed, the reaction may be isolation, loss of control, and perhaps, worst of all, loss of hope. Through participation in professionally led support groups, educational workshops, nutrition, exercise and mind/body programs, people affect by cancer learn vital skills that enable them to regain control, reduce isolation and restore hope – regardless of the stage of their disease. All programs and services are provided at absolutely no cost to participants. The Wellness Community-West Los Angeles…cancer support, education and hope.
The Wildwoods foundation Contact: Dwain Wilson Phone: (213) 989-1955 The Wildwoods Foundation provides character development and community building programs to public schools, employing a unique approach of using outdoor activities as a way to help children become better citizens. Wildwoods’ Full Circle program uses outdoor exploration to help children understand the laws of nature that govern ecosystems, then uses ecology as a springboard to help children understand the importance of those same dynamics in their own community: Interdependence, Diversity and Sustainability. Join Team Wildwoods to “Run or Ride for a Reason” and help bring Full Circle to more kids. Fund raising is nearly painless with our secure on-line donation page. Come along for our “training rides” and celebrate at our “guilt-free” finish-line party. You’ll help a good cause and you’ll have a great time doing it. Send us an e-mail or give us a call and we’ll tell you how!
YouTheatre-America Contact: Jack Nakano (310) 657-3270 Serving youth, educators, parents and theater professionals. Aimed at developing critical and interested audiences with the future by providing young people with arts experiences of the highest levels of professional instruction and production standards. |