A Run for Hope

OUR HOUSE, the primary resource for grief-related services within Los Angeles County, will host its 18th annual “A Run for Hope” on Sunday, April 29, 2012. Sponsored by the Lippman Family Foundation, the event is expected to attract hundreds of participants and will take place along the stretch of Sawtelle Boulevard between Santa Monica and Olympic boulevards. The 2.7-mile run/walk will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the West LA Farmers Market with an emotional ceremony in which children are invited up to the event stage to present the back of their “A Run for Hope” t-shirts, which are personalized with the photos and names of those in whose memory they are running or walking.

Actor Chad Lowe, an OUR HOUSE board member and the event’s honorary chair, noted that “A Run for Hope” provides a unique and nurturing opportunity for children, teens and adults to honor the memory of someone close to them who has died. “Many of the participants wear these personalized t-shirts in celebration of their loved ones who have died. It’s a very touching and uplifting experience to see so many children, teens and adults come together in such a meaningful way,” he said.

According to Tiffany Cannis, executive director of OUR HOUSE, Sawtelle Boulevard will be festively bedecked with balloons all along the route, live music and cheerleading squads rooting on the participants, many of whom are currently in an OUR HOUSE grief support group. “We believe ‘A Run for Hope’ is the only event of its kind in Los Angeles that offers the opportunity for people to run or walk to honor the memory of a loved one. The event is open to the public and we invite anyone and everyone to come and celebrate with us.”

Cannis also pointed out that the festivities will not end when the run/walk is completed. “We hope all our participants and those cheering them on will stay for an exciting array of activities, including performances by celebrity magician Fantastic Fig and his amazing cat Newton of ‘America’s Got Talent’ fame, and DJ Mike G. We’ll also have food trucks, a massage tent, face-painter and tattoo artist, and a variety of other vendors. At the finish line, participants will receive OUR HOUSE reusable shopping bags and everyone present will have the opportunity to do their shopping at the weekly West LA Farmers Market.” Cannis went on to say how much OUR HOUSE appreciates the support of both the Farmers Market and the West Los Angeles Neighborhood Council in making “A Run for Hope” a true community event. With local community sponsors, such as Hornburg Jaguar, W. L. A. Flame International Inc., Greenberg Taurig and City National Bank, OUR HOUSE is appreciative of the community coming together and supporting this important cause.

Participation in the run/walk is free of charge to individuals currently in an OUR HOUSE support group. For all others, there is a registration fee of $35 for adults and $25 for kids. To sign up, please visit http://www.ourhouse-grief.org/events.php.