Changing lives in Whittier
If you have ever thought of making an impact in your community, this is your chance. The First Family Church of Whittier is hosting its 5th annual 'Thanksgiving Fest,' event on Nov. 22; designed to benefit families in need as well as bring together the Whittier community. Executive Pastor, Joe Martinez, explained that those involved in the event this year are excited, saying "This appears to be the biggest event we've done," since it began in Nov of '04. Events in the festival include free medical screenings, free dinner vouchers, raffles, as well as serving meals to those in need.
Pastor Martinez expressed that through the 'Thanksgiving Fest' people from all walks of life will be gathered for the sole purpose of helping each other and aid those in need during these difficult times. Pastor Martinez said, "We took concept of giving out baskets to people and created an environment of life chance." Expressing how it will not matter if you are a business owner or a person on the streets; on that day you will be in a welcoming environment working with the community.
Through this event, the church was able to serve close to 3,000 people since it began. The church puts together this event to get the community involved as well as helping individuals cope with personal problems they have endured. Pastor David Ansell says that he wants this to be a joyful event and that, "[they] run the event based on community, celebration and passion." Highlighting that he wants those who attend the event to enjoy the food and the music and see how the community involved as they inspire people's lives.
Funding for the event goes to the 'Thanksgiving Fest' and the church has programs that benefit the community such as its Food Ministry where they give out food every Sunday and its Youth Program where every Thursday they give free food to children before service. This Thanksgiving make an impact and change lives by attending or volunteering for the 'Thanksgiving Fest' you can call the First Family Church at the number (562) 698-6737.
Party in Palm Springs
Mario Diaz Presents a three day party in Palm Springs at the ACE Hotel; where French professor, Chris Bowen will actually be taking a role as, DJ.
Mario Diaz, Full Frontal Disco, B.F.D. and Hotdog, Victor Rodriguez, S***s & Giggles plus Otter Magic, Chris Bowen, and Bears In Space in association with The Fun Active Gentlemen Society Dodgeball Team present. 'Black Sheep.'
This three-day event is filled with daily events with music, performances and drinking games.
Friday night begins at 8pm and ends at midnight; there will be a special performance by Jackie Beat DJs. Saturday night will start off at 8pm with performances by Rio Hondo's own, Chris Bowen from S***s & Giggles and Bears in Space. Sunday's event begins as early as 1pm but ends at 5pm; it will be a F.A.G.S. Dodgeball Team Pool Party with performances by Ryan Heffington Black Sleep Dancers!
Mario Diaz is teaming up with Ace Hotel, so for special room rates visit acehotel.com
Feeding those in need.
There are many organizations that help feed the needy. Meals on Wheels is trying to focus on understanding senior hunger. Take action by donating or volunteering. You can locate local programs by signing onto their website www.mowaa.org.
The Dream Center in LA has Adopt-A-Block, every Sat. where the members of the church go out to different parts in LA and reach out to their community. They offer services from bringing meals to the needy, to bringing medication or even painting houses. It is a great way to get involved over this holiday vacation. You can visit them at www.dreamcenter.org.
Project Angel Food has many upcoming events over Thanksgiving and Christmas. You can help by volunteering to cook meals or personally delivering them. PAF helps feed the people who can't feed themselves, they serve hot meals for those who can't physically stand on their feet long enough to cook a hot meal. Over Thanksgiving, PAF will need extra drivers. To visit them go to www.projectangelfood.org.
Long Beach's Turkey Trot
More than 4,500 runners are expected to attend the 7th annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot in Long Beach. The Turkey Trot will consist of a 5k and a 10K with proceeds to benefit Justin Rudd's Community Action Team.
CAT is a non-profit organization that includes Haute Dogs and other events. Their goal is to promote social well being among the general public; they produce quality events and projects within the community that benefit children, animals, and the environment.
CAT's believe in, "the collective power of individuals joined in a spirit of goodwill and generous giving to bring about the success of an organization. That's why we need you to get involved."
The Turkey Trot will commence on Thurs. 26 at the Belmont Pool in Belmont Shore. There will be t-shirts for all runners and walkers, although not guaranteed for late registrations, and more than 350 holiday pies including, pumpkin and apple, to finishers. In the Greek games, a judge would stand at the finish line holding laurel leaves that would be awarded to the winner; here, in Long Beach, judges will be holding pies.
There will be an on-site physician and there are free parking lots in the beachfront metered parking lots at Belmont Pier. There will be prizes and certificates to the top three overall (men and women) in the 5K and 10K only.
There will not be a timing company; it will be a race clock only. CAT has decided to donate $10,000 to charity by having a large 2-sided digital race clock instead. You will still be able to see your official time when you get to the finish line. In previous races, only 25% of the walkers stay for the awards ceremony; this is simply a charity event to give thanks for, so have fun.
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