 |
News from Starfish P.R.
|
FOUNDING BOARD MEMBER CONTINUES COMMITMENT TWO DECADES LATER BY SWIMMING CATALINA CHANNEL IN SUPPORT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING
|
|
As of: 7-28-2010
|
Matthew Hanson & The Dawn Patrol will Swim Catalina Channel Relay to Raise Funds for Local Charities
Los Angeles, CA – July 27, 2010: To celebrate Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles’ (HFH GLA) twenty years of service to the hardworking families of Los Angeles, many partner families, volunteers, staff, current board members and former board members are engaging in events and advocacy efforts. The Catalina Swim is a 22-mile swim from Catalina Island to Long Beach and is spearheaded by the organization’s first President of the Board of Directors, Matthew Hanson. On Saturday, July 31st at 11:00 pm Hanson and six friends who call themselves the “Dawn Patrol” (named for the early hours they meet to swim) will make their way across the Catalina Channel as a relay team and plan to arrive midday Sunday at the Long Beach Yacht Club (LBYC), where they will be greeted by a large crowd at a celebratory barbeque hosted by the LBYC. The Catalina Swim will benefit four charities including HFH GLA, Breast Cancer Angels, Children Today and Casa Youth Shelter.
In 2005, two Los Angeles area Habitat for Humanity affiliates merged to streamline resources and help more families. Hanson was the first Board President of the then called Habitat for Humanity South Bay/Long Beach. Erin Rank, President/CEO of HFH GLA, was a volunteer under Hanson and credits his efforts for the organization’s long-term success.
“Matthew really helped lay the foundation for all that we have been able to accomplish over the past twenty years,” says Rank. “As a young volunteer, I was inspired by his leadership and years later he continues to demonstrate his tenacity and dedication to Habitat and to the hard-working families we serve.”
At the time Hanson served as board president, the South Bay/Long Beach affiliate had limited resources and through his leadership, the organization made great strides. Now, twenty years later, HFH GLA has built and renovated 630 homes locally and worldwide and continues to be one of the most productive affiliates in the country. By implementing sustainable building elements the organization is now building Silver and Gold LEED certified homes and by revitalizing neighborhoods, with its A Brush with Kindness and Neighborhood Stabilization programs, HFH GLA has also increased its ability to help even more hard-working families.
To learn more about the Dawn Patrol and the charities the event will support, please visit http://www.lbycdawnpatrol.com. To make a donation and help the Dawn Patrol reach their fundraising goal of $40,000 or to buy a ticket to attend the after party at the Long Beach Yacht Club with food, live music and fun - $50 for adults and $15 for children - go directly to http://www.theswim2010.com.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) strives to eliminate poverty housing through advocacy, education and partnership with families in need to build simple, decent, affordable and sustainable housing. Since 1990, HFH GLA has built and renovated over 630 homes locally and worldwide, transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals. HFH GLA is a GuideStar® Valued Partner. For more information, please visit www.habitatla.org or call 310-323-4663. Visit our blog at http://buildingagreaterla.blogspot.com
# # #
Media Contacts:
Jo-An Turman
Sr. Dir. Marketing & Communications
T: 310-323-4663 ext. 121
jturman@habitatla.org
Angela Moore
Starfish P.R.
T: 310-429-8868
Angela@starfish-pr.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
