Nike+ Human Race a Success!

Thanks to everyone who came out on Friday at midnight to run and support the Nike+ Human Race. They had a sold out crowd of 8,500 runners. A Better LA was the official charity of the Los Angeles run receiving $5 from every entry fee. We were so proud and lucky to be a part of such an amazing event! Thanks again to the LA Nike team and all of the USC students and alums who ran for a cause. Check out our Facebook page for more pics!

To read more about the event from NikeRunning.com Click Here.

A Better LA Kids Attend Dodger Game

Last month we had a great time with about 50 kids from A Better LA @ Dodger Stadium. This opportunity was made possible as a result of The Summa Children Foundation's Brian Werdesheim and Jim Miles ongoing relationship with the Major League Players Trust. Each year they pick one organization to benefit from this always memorable experience. This year, they teamed up with CAA Sports to make this great evening possible. Andre Eithier, Russell Martin and other Dodger Stars were very generous with their time and as a result the ABLA kids left with some great pictures, autographs and hopefully memories that will last a lifetime.

Pete Carroll with President Clinton

A Better LA's Pete Carroll with President Bill Clinton on Tuesday

October 6th, 2009 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center.

Selling A Better LA T-shirts this Saturday!!

Look cool and feel good about contributing to a great cause!

We are selling custom made "A Better LA" t-shirts donated from Alternative Apparel in cardinal and gold at the USC home game vs Oregon State. They will be sold at our information booth in two locations this Saturday 1. across from the Jack and Jill statues and 2. at the Nike+ Human Race tent on 39th and Figueroa on the large field both in front of the Coliseum.

All t-shirts will go for $20 and ALL proceeds benefit A Better LA's mission to stop gang violence and transform communities within south Los Angeles.

When you buy a t-shirt mention our Facebook or Twitter sites and win a free Win Forever poster!

Thanks and see you out there! Go Trojans!

-ABLA volunteers

Sending them away -- for their own good

"In a gang-plagued immigrant neighborhood, four children have in effect been banished by their family to another city -- not because of what they've done, but because of what they've seen."

Adela Barajas, founder of L.A.U.R.A, is a friend of A Better LA and has gone through our Pacific Institute classes. Here she shares her story about her sister in law and the namesake of her charity who was killed by a drive by shooting in 2007. Barajas wants to expose the "forgotten part of greater Los Angeles" and what's she's doing to make it better.

Click here for full LA Times article from Oct. 18th - Sending them away -- for their own good

Henry Winkler Reads to A Better LA Kids!

We have seen Henry Winkler on TV (perhaps best known as “The Fonz” in Happy Days), in movies, and on the USC sideline as a fan. On Friday we saw Henry in a different role – as children’s book author and enthralling speaker to a group of youngsters that gathered at an event co-hosted by USC Coach Pete Carroll's organization A Better LA and the Parks and Recreation Department at Helen Keller Park in Los Angeles.

The kids were treated to lunch before sitting down to hear the stories come alive from this talented actor and author. Winkler has recently released a series of books about a character named "Hank Zipzer" which follows the everyday adventures of a bright boy with learning challenges. There are many similarities between Winkler's character and kids in underserved neighborhoods; they both have massive potential but become trapped in circumstances they cannot control.

This was another event brought to a neighborhood that a few years ago was better known for gang violence. Through the work of the community and support of lots of hard working people, Helen Keller Park has become a center for after-school learning, the California Cowboys football league, and numerous activities geared at keeping this generation of kids in positive programs to help them avoid a life of violence and crime.

Once again, A Better LA’s partner Mark Chow and A Foundation For Kids came through with lunch, refreshments and a gift for each child in attendance. For more information on Henry Winkler's critically acclaimed series visit www.hankzipzer.com.