If you want to give back to your community, you can volunteer for nonprofit organizations, participate in charity events or run a race for a cause.
There are ample opportunities available in the Los Angeles and Santa Monica areas for you to volunteer this summer and fall. Check out these events to help you decide how you want to support the greater good.
Charity Walks and Runs
7th Annual Walk to Africa: May 16, 2015
This walk starts on the Santa Monica beach and participants can opt for a 4 mile or 8 mile scenic walk on the sand. This walk benefits Walk to Africa, which is an organization responsible for sending doctors and nurses to Africa with 28 medical teams. For example, they were present during the recent Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone. By walking this race, you pledge money to help send these teams to African locations that are in crisis.
Every Child Matters: 5K Run: June 15, 2015
Participants can run a 5K to raise money to benefit disadvantaged children and give them a fighting chance. To support this cause, you can raise money, participate in the run or volunteer at the event. If you want more information, click on their race page.
Run Over Hunger: 5K, 10K or 1 mile walk: July 18, 2015
This organization’s initiative is to end the epidemic of hunger. They focus on dispatching the resources in the local area by combining forces with the LA Regional Food Bank. Registering for this race means donating direct dollars to help support the fight against hunger.
Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon: November 12, 2015
This is a fun race where your can dress up in your favorite superhero costume while you run. This way you can act silly and have a great time. Make your run count by supporting one of the charity organizations, such as Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Autism Speaks or Girl Power 2 Cure. But, make certain you know the rules and stipulations of each charity.
For a comprehensive list of races, check out Running in the USA to find a participating cause that is the right fit for you.
Charity Events
Stock the Shelf — June 13, 2015
Volunteers can sort, stack and shelve food for the homeless in Los Angeles. This second largest food bank supports much of the homeless community in Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
Brides Against Breast Cancer — August 8, 2015
This unique charity event allows brides-to-be to purchase a wedding gown and a portion of their money goes to women and families who are battling breast cancer. You can also choose to volunteer at the event if you aren’t interested in bidding on a gown.
Chairs for Charity — September 24, 2015
For those who have a larger budget and want a Hollywood experience, they can purchase artwork and chairs designed by celebrities and artists at this event. Then, they can use their purchase to donate to the homeless youth center in Los Angeles. To purchase tickets, visit this page.
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the above article. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? What are you still working on accepting?
Quiet is a necessary thread that helps navigate my days. Without some solitude, my irritation rises and creativity suffers. I continue to work toward incorporating meditation in my life.
2. What have you learn to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? What are you still working on to appreciate?
A morning run helps clear my mind and provides the pulse for clarity during the day. I still struggle to deal with uncertainty and learning to let go.
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What makes YOU most proud? What goals and dreams do you still have?
This is a complicated question where the answer depends on the particular season of my life. Right now, I love how motherhood redefines my notion of ambition. My achievements and goals are evolving. Age and experience tend to tinker with the way I view success.
4. We all have imperfections, so we think. The truth–we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? What imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
I tend to gravitate toward worst case scenarios and jump to conclusions without letting situations unfold. It is still a process for me to approach uncertain moments with a quieter approach.
5. “I Love My…” is an outlet for you to express and appreciate all the positive traits that make you…well… YOU! Sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (we assure you!) Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love my willingness to appreciate the grace in the ordinary. The everyday delights of my life foster my relationship with gratitude.
