MANHATTAN BEACH, CA – In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, The Richstone Family Center will host their 26th annual Pier-to-Pier Walkathon on Saturday, April 27th at the Manhattan Beach Pier beginning at 8:00am. This year’s walk will be led by event chairs Jim and Shannon Mora. Jim is the dynamic head football coach for the UCLA Bruins and his wife Shannon is Vice-President of the family’s Count on Me Family Foundation, whose mission is to assist at-risk and in need children across the country.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this great community event that promotes awareness of child abuse prevention,” said Shannon Mora. “Through our family foundation we’ve worked to better the lives of children in need and empower them to reach their dreams. Richstone shares in this passion and are creating a safe haven for vulnerable children where they can heal and achieve brighter futures.”
The Walkathon, stretching from the Manhattan Beach Pier to the Hermosa Beach Pier, will feature various stops on The Strand at homes of families who support the cause. Event contributor, Manhattan Beach Creamery, has teamed up with one of those families to serve complimentary ice cream sandwiches to Walkathon participants. The walk concludes on Manhattan Beach Boulevard with a post-walk party featuring local vendors such as My Fit Foods, Sweet Lucie’s Ice Cream and Treats Truck, Zico Coconut Water, Grow –The Produce Shop, The Cube Photobooth as well as activities conducted by the United States Army, and the Manhattan Beach Fire Department. All funds raised from the Walkathon support the Richstone Family Center’s child abuse treatment and prevention programs serving the greater South Bay region.
The Richstone Pier-to-Pier Walkathon began in the 1980’s as a small grassroots effort to highlight National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Earlier this month, Richstone launched the “Pinwheels for Prevention” campaign to further promote awareness of the issue of child abuse and the need for funds to support critical programs like those offered at Richstone. Originally introduced by Prevent Child Abuse America, the campaign focuses on the pinwheel as the national symbol for child abuse prevention. As the new symbol for this cause, the pinwheel stands as an uplifting reminder of childhood and the bright futures all children deserve. To see photos of the campaign, visit www.RichstoneFamily.org.
Registration for the family friendly Walkathon is now open and walkers are encouraged to pre-register online to walk, jog, or even stand-up paddle board! Last year, with the support of 1,200 participants and teams representing
businesses, organizations and local schools, the Walkathon raised more than $150,000. Approximately 90% percent of the monies raised at the event are used to directly support Richstone’s programs, which include counseling, after-school programs, violence prevention programs, transitional housing for young women emancipated from foster care, anger management and parenting skills classes.
“A case of child abuse is reported every 10 seconds. In 2011-2012, Richstone provided critical services to more than 9,500 children and families in need,“ said Richstone’s Interim Executive Director, Roger Van Remmen. “The need is great and the solutions are few as Richstone remains the only comprehensive center dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse in our surrounding communities.”
The Richstone Pier-to-Pier Walk is made possible through the help of generous sponsors such as Coppersmith Global Logistics, Dewitt Petroleum, Skechers Foundation, King Harbor Marina, Charles E. Thomas, and NW Real Estate Brokers.
To learn more about Richstone’s work in the community or how you can lend your support, please contact Allison Tanaka at (310) 970-1921, ext 137 or for media questions please contact Jen Bergmark, First Pick Planning at 480-686-0040. Additional information can be found by visiting www.RichstoneFamily.org.
About the Richstone Family Center:
The Richstone Family Center was founded in 1973, to prevent and treat child abuse, strengthen families, and prevent violence in families, schools, and communities. Our services include counseling for children and families, parenting and anger-management classes, family support and home visits, after-school enrichment programs, and transitional housing for emancipated foster girls. For more information about Richstone’s programs and services visit www.RichstoneFamily.org.
WHEN: Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 8:00 a.m.
Registration begins at 7:30am
WHAT: 26th Annual Richstone Pier-to-Pier Walkathon
In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month
WHERE: Manhattan Beach Pier
COST: $25 Registration fee includes commemorative t-shirt
CONTACT: Allison Tanaka (310) 970-1921 ext. 137 or atanaka@richstonefamily.org
