Josh Duhamel Organizes Youth Run For Haiti Fundraiser

On Saturday, January 23rd, Actor Josh Duhamel (star of the new movie, When in Rome) teamed up with the Red Cross of Santa Monica to organize the Youth Run for Haiti, which took place along the beach in Santa Monica, CA.  The purpose of the event was to raise money for the relief efforts in Haiti.  I had the opportunity to travel to the event in Los Angeles and I have to say, the results were nothing short of amazing!

Actor Josh Duhamel, the man behind the event (and apparent Dodger fan)

Growing up in North Dakota, Josh’s mom was a P.E. teacher, and so the actor has long supported causes that get kids healthy and involved in active lifestyles.  He  also happens to be a long time supporter of the Red Cross.  So when the disaster in Haiti struck, Josh took it upon himself to combine two of his passions and create something special. “I felt like the youth should have a voice.” said Duhamel when asked why he organized the event. “This was a way to empower them.  They’re a powerful group when they all get behind something and this is my to say that they are here to help.”  

YOU CAN LISTEN TO MY FULL LENGTH AUDIO INTERVIEW WITH JOSH AS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON THE PLAY CITY BLOG HERE

1500-2000 kids showed up to run for Haiti Relief

I’ll be perfectly honest – I wasn’t so sure the event was going to be a huge success.  First of all, Josh and his team only had about a week to plan it and rally support for it. Second of all, the five days leading up to the run produced the worst rain southern California has seen in years, and having grown up in SoCal, I can tell you that Angelenos aren’t exactly known for their toughness when it comes to bad weather.  (Ugg boots, ear warmers and scarves become the norm when temps drop below 60 degrees in LA).

Future Changemakers…

Fortunately, the stars seemed to align this past Saturday, as the sun finally peaked out and the superstar celebs showed up in force to support this incredible event.  Among the celebrities in attendance were actress Molly Sims, Dodger center fielder Matt Kemp, and NASCAR driver Danny Bopp.   But this event wasn’t about celebrities lending their names to support a great cause. The core of this event focused on kids.  It was about kids in LA helping kids in Haiti.  That simple.

“Our Hopes and prayers go out to the families in Haiti who have lost loved ones. We are behind you 100% and we want to let the people of Haiti know that, like Katrina, this too will pass.”  Nascar Driver, Danny Bopp

According to the Red Cross, an estimated 1500 and 2000 kids came dressed in red shirts to the 2-mile run and helped raise over $72,000 for the relief efforts.  By all accounts, it was a HUGE success.  “We’re very grateful to Josh Duhamel for coming up with this wonderful way to help Haiti and thrilled with the fantastic turnout especially of youth.” said Marcia Caldirola, director of development at the Santa Monica Red Cross, who worked with Josh to organize the event.

Big ups go go out to Josh and Marcia for making this happen in such a short time period, and most of all, big ups go to all the kids who came out for the run.

To learn more how you can help visit the Red Cross of Santa Monica

Check out the rest of the photos I took at the event:

Actress Molly Sims rocks the red shirt for Haiti

Dodger center fielder Matt Kemp shows up with trainer Don-a-Matrix