CAN YOU HELP US?You’ve heard of the Olympics, and the Special Olympics, and maybe even the Paralympics, but have you ever heard of the Al-Impics?
A tradition that began in 1973, the Los Angeles Al-Impics is a County-wide event attended by more than 4,000 individuals made up of recovering persons, community leaders, dignitaries, volunteers and community residents. The Al-Impics is a special one day event which demonstrates the positive life-enriching experience associated with the recovery process. By bringing together treatment providers, recovering individuals, local communities and community leaders, the Al-Impics promotes the societal benefits of community health through substance abuse prevention and athletic participation. This great event encourages recovering individuals to join together in the spirit of recreation and to strive to achieve their respective goals and contribute to their communities.
SHIELDS has participated in AL-Impics almost every year for the past 20 years with 300-500 clients each year including 100+ children, one of the largest groups in attendance. SHIELDS clients and staff always enjoy the opportunity to connect with other individuals and families in recovery through this positive event. SHIELDS participates in the sports and recreation tournaments, the banner contest, and the parade, and has won best uniform and parade choreography many times. Every year for the uniform and banner contests, SHIELDS designs a t-shirt and a client hand-paints a banner that reflects the year’s theme, this year it is UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY. In addition to t-shirts and a banner, SHIELDS also provides transportation for all our families and children to and from the event in buses, and the food and drinks for breakfast and lunch.HOW YOU CAN HELP!Unfortunately, SHIELDS does not have the funds to participate in AL-Impics this year. However, we would really like the opportunity to provide this positive experience for our families and children but cannot do it without some help. SHIELDS is in need of food to feed 500 for breakfast and lunch, banner supplies (large canvas cloth, paints and brushes), and $2,000 to cover the cost of 500 t-shirts and silk-screening. SHIELDS is a 501c3 non-profit organization (Tax ID# 95-4336420), therefore all donations are tax-deductible according to local tax laws. SHIELDS will recognize any donors and sponsors name, group, or business on our online networks. Thank you to the Office of Supervisor Mark-Ridley Thomas for sponsoring our transportation!
If you, or anyone you know, can help make this possible for SHIELDS children and families this year please contact Stephanie Moss at 323.242.5000 x1209 or smoss@shieldsforfamilies.org or you can donate online at http://bit.ly/DonateAL-Impics and indicate Al-Impics in the comment box.
A clip of SHIELDS warming up before the 2010 AL-Impics parade
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