Every year around, particularly around this time, we see advertisements for a similar non-profit fundraiser. 5Ks, 10Ks, Walk-a-thons, marathons, and the like are presented as a way for supporters to engage in activities while raising crucial funds for the causes they support. As these advertisements begin to blend, try to remember the needs of the most innocent children caught up in economic and social disasters – especially those experiencing one of the worst of such disasters, homelessness.
In order to do this, consider participating in Children Today’s July 21 Run-Walk.
One of the non-profits I and many at the Long Beach Post support is Children Today. Offering high-quality, no-cost childcare to children without a home is a significant need in this community. Educating them and instilling in them self-confidence, trust in others, and the ability to grow into healthy adults are just a few of the outcomes that Children Today delivers.
But while this mission is solid, it is also the management of the organization that makes supporting it so logical. As educational institutions of all types come under scrutiny for administrative waste and high costs, Children Today receives no such scrutiny. Children Today is operated by a highly qualified, educated group of administrators and educators all under the leadership of Executive Director Dora Jacildo. It prioritizes a strict focus on its mission and an efficient operation to ensure that children don’t just hang out until their parents find jobs. Rather, the children — who find themselves at Children Today’s two Long Beach centers, the Play House North and the Play House West — are seen as the prevailing priority while enrolled in the programs. The needs of each child are considered when teachers design daily curricular activities. And the results are self-evident. This attention to detail and thoughtful curriculum are not always emphasized in child care programs. They are at Children Today.
It is this accredited, professional model that makes giving my support so easy. And its upcoming Run-Walk will receive my support again this summer.
Children Today’s 4th annual Run-Walk, located at Marina Green Park, just off the Shoreline Drive bike path, is on Saturday, July 21. Sponsored by FreeConferenceCall.com, with support from Keesal Young & Logan, Toyota and Sam’s Club, the Run-Walk asks you to come out, pay $35, and help Children Today continue its work while you get some needed exercise. Children Today’s team has partnered with Alfredo’s Beach Club to provide Run-Walk festivities once again.
Run-Walk registration begins at 6:30 a.m. with a Kid’s Fun Run kicking off at 8:10 a.m. The 5K/10K will begin shortly thereafter at 8:45 a.m. Last year the race attracted more than 800 participants and raised over $60,000 for Children Today’s Play House programs. This year the fundraising goal was increased to $75,000.
Runners and walkers will receive goodies such as tee-shirts, gift bags, free continental breakfast and lunch, and a great workout! To register, visit here and click “Register for this Event” at the top of the page. I became involved with Children Today over five years ago and I’ve never regretted it. Come join us on July 21 for the 4th annual Run-Walk, and become part of the Children Today family.