When a magnitude 8.9 earthquake struck Japan, much of the land of the rising sun was devastated, but that was only the beginning of a series of nightmares that has plagued the country since March 11, 2011. As the massive tsunami launched a second blow to the Northeastern end of Japan, the flooding was followed by a third more lasting and frightening strike with a threat of multiple nuclear meltdowns from Japan’s nuclear reactors. Miles away, Americans felt nearly helpless, but the American Red Cross quickly moved into action.
The Red Cross’ rescue efforts for Japan are extensive, but costly. So actor Josh Duhamel stepped forward to raise money for the ARC relief fund, through a “Youth Run 4 Japan.” As you may remember, My Teen Topix reported on Josh’s incredible “Youth Run 4 Haiti,” last year, when the actor had previously teamed up with the American Red Cross Santa Monica Chapter and the peakPRgoup, to create disaster relief for the flattened Haiti. With only a few days notice, the youth of Santa Monica and surrounding communities raised over $100,000 by participating in the two mile run Santa Monica beach in 2010.
This year on March 27, with only a few days more notice, Josh, his wife Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas, the American Red Cross Santa Monica Chapter, and Christine Peake of the peakPRgroup put on a spectacular event with more than 4,000 participants donating $10 or more to make the two mile run. T-shirts and tote bags designed by tokidoki were sold with the proceeds also going to the Red Cross’ relief fund for Japan. Corporate sponsors also helped raise additional funds, including Puma, OneHope, Fatburger, KROQ, Oxylent, Coca-Cola and many other wonderful companies.
The day started with an unplanned rain that drenched the crowd, but never deterred them. Doing good for others that need help, is just too much fun. By the actual time of the run the Sun began to show itself and the weather for the rest of the day was beautiful. Josh and Fergie were joined by a number of celebs including Paris and Nicky Hilton, Diana Aagron and Teresa Palmer.
Josh Duhamel, catching some liquid sunshine while
watching the crowds arrive
Josh takes time to talk to his fans before the run
Corporate sponsors set up booths for the crowds to come
Fatburger donated 100% of the days profits to the cause
Honest provided healthy drinks
While Lisa Lent of Oxylent provided terrific
vitamins for the runners
KROQ supplied the music. How cool is that?
Runners line up in the rain to support the Red Cross
The crowds grew bigger...
...and bigger
The runners are ready
A Power Ranger gives the run a thumbs up
Josh and Fergie work their way to the start line
"You ready Fergie Ferg?"
"Yep, I GOT A FEELING"
Then "GO!!!!!!!"
After a jogging to the pier, the runners make their
way to the finish
All ages participated
Even a few dogs
But kids lead the pack
Go Loyola!
They keep on coming 4000 strong
Running for Japan
Paris and Nicky Hilton, Now that's Hot!
To the final few strides
...and victory!!
Members of the American Red Cross
Santa Monica Chapter
More Santa Monica Red Cross members
My Teen Topix Editor Masha Chernitskaya, with her
friend Misha, pose with David Joyner who
played Barney the purple Dinosaur and
Hip Hop Harry
Masha and Misha with Josh
My Teen Topix editor, Masha Chernistskaya ran along side Josh and Fergie. “Josh was so handsome, and Fergie was so beautiful, but they were also so nice. Fergie talked to us about how today was her birthday, and when we asked how she was going to spend the day after the run, she said she had no plans, she just wanted to be with Josh,” reported Masha and her friend Misha.
It is a wonderful thing to have such kind and thoughtful celebrities support a cause as important as the American Red Cross, but it was the phenomenal youth support today, that made a difference. If you were unable to attend this amazing event, you can still donate to the cause. Simply go to HYPERLINK "http://www.reliefrun.com" http://www.reliefrun.com and give what you can, every bit helps to change lives in Japan. If you hurry, you might even be able to buy one of these cool okidoki T-shirs:
Okidoki T's may still be available if you hurry
Special Thanks to Christine Peake and the peakPRgroup, without whom
this day wouldn't have been such a smashing success.
All photos ©2011 Allan Peach
with the exception of the portrait of Christine Peake ©2011 Andre Cohen
