JUSTIN RUDD'S LONG BEACH GIVING PROJECT

g INSPIRED BY OPRAH AND IDOL
Rudd's 5th-annual "Long Beach Giving Project" Will Give $16,000 in Goods and Services by this Sunday

INSPIRED BY Oprah's "Big Give" and "Idol Gives Back," the director of the nonprofit Community Action Team (CAT) Justin Rudd said that $16,000 in goods and services will be given locally to those who need it most during the 5th annual Long Beach Giving Project. The contestants (Givers) are listed below.

FOR 8 DAYS leading up to Sunday, Mar. 18, Justin Rudd and his nonprofit 501c3 Community Action Team (C.A.T.) will continue looking to help people in need in the Long Beach area with their "LONG BEACH GIVING PROJECT."   

In previous years of this contest, for example, participants bought prom tickets for a student who couldn't afford them, purchased groceries for a family who was hungry; bought bus passes for someone dependent on public transit, and paid the electric bill of a senior citizen who was about to go without power. 

As with tradition, ten of CAT's most exemplary volunteers and supporters from the past year will do the giving.  Givers are chosen based on their involvement and support of the 42 CAT events/projects over the past year. Those 10 will be given $1,500 about eight days before Mar. 18 and will be challenged to give it away (in goods and services). While the clock will be counting down, the contestants will go around Long Beach to find ways to make an impact -- NEW AMOUNT: up to $1,000 at a time. The contestants are asked to use their leadership, creativity and resources to make differences in people's lives.

Then, on Sun. night, March 18 the "Givers" will face their panel of judges: a group of approx. 15 of the 44 Long Beach Giving Project alumni. The judges and a crowd of about 100 spectators will listen to each giver's six-minute spiels as they explain what they did with the $1,500 they were given. They will also face two minutes of grueling questions about their giving from the judges. The approx. 2.5-hour event (including a pasta dinner) will culminate with one contestant walking home with an extra $1,000 in his/her pocket with the challenge to give it away as he/she wishes. RSVP to Justin@JustinRudd.com and pay your $10 at the door.

FOR THE 2011 PROJECT, twenty-four year old Elisa Sabes, who has helped at 25 CAT events over the past year, was selected by the judges to receive the $1,000 prize.  She was Miss Long Beach 2010 and now works for an executive search firm.

Before the judging began, she said, “If I were to win the $1,000, I would continue reaching out to as many lives as possible. Once I began my “gives,” I realized just how many people truly need help in our community. Whether it be a new pair of shoes for a little boy -- or new bedding for a family that is currently sleeping with donation blankets, I would simply continue touching as many lives as possible. The most rewarding aspect of this experience so far has been making a difference in people’s lives. What an amazing experience this has been -- and for it to continue for another month would be an incredible opportunity and blessing.”

OTHER $1,000 GIVERS last year were: Andrew Capra, Andrew Kishman, Angi Carelli, Ashleigh Oldland, Blair Cohn, Christina Beck, Dana Treitler, Dara Samson, Greg Perrault, and Kym Cloughesy.

Some goods and services that the $1,000 Givers gave include: college scholarships, tires, shoes, space heaters, laundry services, computers, socks, underwear, rain gear, haircuts, medications, transit passes, gasoline, furniture, groceries, clothing, diapers, high chairs, bedding, swim lessons, acupuncture, childcare, art supplies, instrument rentals, prom and grad night tickets, hygiene items and college counseling. Givers also paid rent, utility bills, phone bills, and gave hotel nights for homeless during recent rains.

WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM?
Funds for the program are made possible, in whole, by the successes of CAT's Long Beach Turkey Trot and the Haute Dog Parades. CAT generally focuses on projects and events for animals, youth, the environment, and learning. Some of the other CAT projects include monthly 30-Minute Beach Cleanups, the Father/Daughter Dance, the Bulldog Beauty Contest, the National Elementary School Spelling Bee, Long Beach Losers, Operation Easter Basket, the Miss Long Beach and Southern California Cities pageants and the National Adult Spelling Bee.

2011 JUDGES included: Ralph Millero, Lisa Ramelow, Jeff Taylor, Kevin Nicholson, Elana Young, Patti Allen, Moses Freyre, Kate Karp, Liliane Roy, Jessica Morales, Julie Kim, Janet Higley, Emilio Rangel, Nancy Buchanan, Jenn Gonzales, Debi Miller, April Rivas, Lynda Muenzer, and Colin MacDiarmid.

Will you become a fan on Facebook?

2012 RULES FOR THE GIVERS

-          Each giver must attend the dinner/presentation on Sunday., Mar. 18, 6 p.m. at Bay Shore Church in Belmont Shore.  The Giver and their one guest are free.  Additional guests may be included at $10 per person at the door, with an RSVP to Justin@JustinRudd.com.  Please RSVP with your guests’ names at least two days before the event.  We encourage you to bring family and friends to the event.
-          You cannot give out cash.  You must make purchases and/or pay bills on behalf of people with needs.  You and those you might choose to help you will find the needs. 
-          The giving is to be done in the Long Beach area.
-          Givers will receive $1,500 in cash on Fri., Mar. 9, 2012.  Please do not bring guests to this.
-          One of your gives can be up to $1,000.  All other gives must be $250 or less.  Do not go over your spending limits. For example, if you spend $450 on a person, all other gives must be up to/under $250.
-          There is no limit to the number of gives you can make that are under $250. 
-          There must be a minimum of three gives. 
-          Your gives can not benefit you or your immediate family.
-          The gives are for humans.
-          The giving is not to/for organizations, rather for individuals.
-          We encourage you to spend the full $1,500.  You will return any unspent cash to Justin.
-          Do not fundraise or supplement above the amount you’re given.
-          You may involve others (i.e. co-workers, friends, family) in your giving projects, but you are the giver. We want you to do the shopping, buying, giving.
-          Make sure to have some diverse “gives.” For example, don't buy groceries as each of your gives.
-          Make sure to have diverse “purchases.”  For example, don’t do all your shopping at Walmart. 
-          Givers agree to allow their name and giving stories to appear in the media and online. You may choose to only use a recipient’s first name for the media and/or presentations.
-          Cash, traveler’s checks, gift cards, etc. cannot be given. Givers must make purchases for goods and/or services.
-          Give responsibly and with purpose.
-          Keep records and receipts of your giving. Receipts MUST be presented at or before the dinner.
-          Any remaining cash must be given back to the organizer.
-          The actual giving must be completed when the dinner begins.  You can start giving only after we give you the cash on Mar. 9.
-          You are encouraged to keep notes about your entire Long Beach Giving Project process to refer to at the dinner when you make your presentation.
-          Each giver is invited to attend a Happy Hour at Justin’s apt. on Sat., Mar. 18, 5 p.m. – just before the dinner ceremony.  You are welcome to bring ONE (and only one) adult guest to the reception.  Wine, sodas, water, appetizers will be served. 
-          Dinner/presentation will last approx. 2.5 hours.
-          An informal 6-minute presentation will be made by each Givers to the judge’s panel and audience, followed by a few questions from the judges.
-          you may NOT use photos/video of your giving in your presentation that shows your giving or the recipients. 
-          you may not talk to the judges during the week you are giving, and they have been instructed not to talk to you (even at the dinner).
-          The judges’ decisions will determine which of the ten Givers will receive another $1,000 to give away as he/she chooses. 
-          Judging is based on:  leadership, accomplishment, creativity, presentation to those in need, and resources to generate the most powerful and sensational way to make real differences to those in the Long Beach area.

2012 GIVERS (will give away $1,500 each)

Eliot Freutel was born and raised in Long Beach. He has followed his highest passion, marine science, as an education specialist at the Long Beach Marine Institute. He is greatly rooted in the community through capoeira and participation with various nonprofits such as the Long Beach Hope Project which exists to feed the homeless residents of our city. He lives in Bixby Knolls with his adorable Yorky Joyjoy and his amazing girlfriend Meghan. Eliot has donated time on his company's boat for Camp Justin! and has attended several beach cleanups with live wildlife specimens native to Long Beach which are used to further the understanding of why it is so important to keep our beaches clean. 

Marleen Hurtado lives in Hawaiian Gardens and is a full-time college student and single mom of a ten-year-old son. She is part of a volunteering family. She volunteers at the Lakewood Sheriff's Department, Homeless With Dogs and helps throughout the year at most CAT events.

Jennifer Kumiyama is Ms. Wheelchair California 2010; is a singer/actress; and can currently be seen in "Aladdin; A Musical Spectacular" at Disney California Adventure Theme Park. She is the state coordinator of the Ms. Wheelchair California Foundation and loves to travel and surf with the Life Rolls On Foundation. Coming from a family of six children that often struggled to make ends meet, Jennifer is grateful for the opportunity to have given to those in need through the Long Beach Giving Project. Jennifer has supported Community Action Team by singing the National Anthem at the 2010 4th of July Kids Bike Parade and the 2012 Bulldog Beauty Contest. She says she looks forward to serving as a volunteer in many more CAT events to come.

Jeanette Neumann lives in North Long Beach with her husband Brad, and two daughters, Sydney and Jorja.  By day, she works at a leading toy company, and at night enjoys the craziness that comes with living in the same house as a fashion diva, a budding comedian, and a talented chef.  She is also an active member of St. Luke’s church in downtown Long Beach.  Jeanette was introduced to C.A.T. in 2010, and has helped with a wide range of events.  Favorites include 30-Minute Beach Cleanups, the Say Cheese Long Beach photo contest, and other events that give kids an opportunity to participate in their community.

Beatriz Nieves works at Millikan High School as a Campus Security Officer. She lives in Long Beach with her two boys and husband Fernando. She is the founder of "Milli-Can," a club that consists of both at-risk and role model high school students. She and her Milli-Can members have assisted in Camp Justin!, the Long Beach Turkey Trot and several 30-Minute Beach Cleanups.

Dan Reback is a native Californian, living in Long Beach for the past 10 years, where he and his wife have settled and begun their family.  When he is not spending time with his wife and two sons, he can be found riding and racing his bicycle.  His experience with the Community Action Team has been through volunteering to help with the Long Beach Losers program, and by donating childrens gifts during the holidays. As someone who has received community support in his own trying times, he is grateful for this opportunity to give back to the community in this unique way.

Israel Rodriquez grew up in Los Angeles and moved to Long Beach 10 years ago. Currently, he is on the board at The Center Long Beach; has continually worked with the Urban Community Outreach Center; and since moving to Belmont Shore has supported the Community Action Team at the 30-Minute Beach Cleanup, Long Beach Losers, the $1,000 Spelling Bee, the Red High Heels Walk, the Miss Long Beach pageant, the Bulldog Beauty Contest, and the Haute Dog Howl'oween Parade.

Traci Shoblom has been inspiring and motivating people to "make their lives a better place to live" since 2000. She's a freelance writer, an executive and personal coach, and an all-around happy person.Traci lives in East Long Beach with two of her three children. You can see them driving around in her PT Cruiser, Penelope.  Traci has been volunteering with CAT for two years now, cleaning the beach, feeding the homeless, and any other excuse she can use to stand in the darkness, cold, or pouring rain for a t-shirt. A passionate vegetarian, Traci also enjoys reading and social networking. It makes up for her lack of "real life" friends.

Tamara Trujillo has lived in Long Beach for seven years and is a neighbor of Justin Rudd - which is how she learned about the Community Action Team. Since becoming his neighbor, she has helped with various events (Operation Easter Basket, Haute Dog Howl'oween Parade) and twice run in the Long Beach Turkey Trot. She is a volunteer with Long Beach Felines and has been an English professor at Fullerton College since 1997, where she created the Service Learning Program and participated in The Veteran's History Project; Service and community are at the core of both her professional career and her personal life.

2011 GIVERS (gave away $1,000 each)
Christina Beck
Andrew Capra
Angi Carelli
Kym Cloughesy
Blair Cohn
Andrew Kishman
Ashley Oldland
Dana Treitler
Greg Perrault
Elisa Sabes
Dara Samson

2010 GIVERS (gave away $1,000 each)
Jeff Taylor
Elana Young
Harry Saltzgaver
Emilio Rangel
David Stuursma
Lisa Ramelow
Ryan Choura
Jessica Morales

2009 GIVERS (gave away $750 each; see bios below)
Julie Kim
Lorraine D'Abate
Colin MacDiarmid
Eddie Gonzalez
Kate Karp
Lynda Muenzer
Moses Freyre
Patti Allen
DISQUALIFIED
Kevin Nicholson

2008 GIVERS (gave away $500 each; see bios below)
Beth Barnes
Lisa Bland
Nancy Buchanan
Michael Day
Brad Gerow
Jennifer Gonzalez
Janet Higley
Samuel Lippke
Debi Miller
Ralph Millero
Amy Morin
April Rivas
Liliane Roy
Andy Vaca
Lisa Woodruff

Sign up for our Email Newsletter

ANDREW KISHMAN

ELISA SABES IS a 24 year-old honors graduate from California State University, Long Beach where she majored in Business Finance. For three years Elisa was an Associate at Blair Commercial Real Estate, and just transitioned her career to working with an Executive Search firm headquartered in Long Beach. Since graduating college, Elisa held the title of Miss Long Beach 2010 and has continued her community involvement with the Community Action Team ever since. Last year, Elisa attended approximately 25 C.A.T. events and continues to support the Community Action Team whenever possible. She says, “If I were to win the $1,000, I would continue reaching out to as many lives as possible. Once I began my “gives,” I realized just how many people truly need help in our community. Whether it be a new pair of shoes for a little boy -- or new bedding for a family that is currently sleeping with donation blankets, I would simply continue touching as many lives as possible. The most rewarding aspect of this experience so far has been making a difference in people’s lives. What an amazing experience this has been -- and for it to continue for another month would be an incredible opportunity and blessing.”

ASHLEIGH OLDLAND is the Editor and Web Master at Gazette Newspapers. She covers C.A.T. events frequently for the newspaper and helps out at those events whenever she can. She's a Colorado native who moved to Long Beach less than three years ago and has fallen in love with the city.  She says, “If I win the $1,000 I would allocate portions to aid individuals receiving help from nonprofits in Long Beach such as Interval House, The Center Long Beach and the Palliative Care program at Memorial Children's Hospital. I'd like to keep with the theme of the contest and donate goods or services to individuals in need -- I won't write a check and put it in the mail.”

CHRISTINA BECK got involved with C.A.T. to help her son achieve his goal for community service and was surprised and pleased to be asked to participate in the Long Beach Giving Project. She writes, “It has been an interesting opportunity for the whole family and we look forward to helping out at future events.  If I win the $1,000 I would spend it how I did the first $1,000: split between Homeless with Dogs, Child Net (helping a
child in a foster care situation) and UniVarsity (college counseling for an underprivileged student).”

DARA SAMSON has been a Long Beach resident for 17 years and small business owner in Long Beach for 12 years.  In Long Beach her volunteer work began with the senior program at the Alpert JCC.  From making lunches, teaching craft classes, driving seniors to doctors and chaperoning senior trips she found it rewarding when just one senior smiled at the end of the day. When she decided to open her business, Wags to Whiskers Pet Grooming in Long Beach, she became a volunteer with many of the pet charities, rescues and fostering programs in Long Beach.  As the Vice President of the Archer Foundation, she worked with Long Beach Park & Rec on an excellent pilot program called Paws on the Park.  The Archer Foundation gave many rescues groups a forum for adoptions in a park setting, first at El Dorado Park and then at Recreation Park.  She was there as a volunteer at the beginning of Rosie’s Dog Beach, Operation Santa Paws, the Howl’oween & Easter Parades and even the Turkey Trot.  She started an annual toy drive for kids through Wags to Whiskers for the Long Beach group “For the Child.”  She has fostered cats and dogs, helped get dogs placed, groomed or necessary medical attention.  A loving pet owner of Bailey, Teddy, Bella & Cupcake, Dara knows pets will always be part of her life.  She says, “If I win $1000 I would probably help some of the same people I already helped. I would like to buy a ton of supplies (groceries, personal hygiene products, blankets, etc.) and set up a table and let people take what they need.  The needs from blankets to toilet paper and everything in between are so vast that some have a hard time choosing what they need when offered help.”
 
ANGI CARELLI moved to Long Beach in 1896 to race sailboats competitively.  Angi is from Boulder, CO.  She writes: “I'm a Massage Therapist and Organic Skin Care Technician at various gym and spa locations throughout Long Beach.  I've been a volunteer for C.A.T.'s Bulldog Beauty Contests, Blessings of the Animals, Miss Long Beach & Southern California Pageants, provided setups for many Howl’oween and Easter parades, as well as a  H.E.A.L. volunteer at the SPCALA for over eight years. I spearheaded the re-striping of traffic lanes on Ocean Blvd, between Loma and Redondo, to move traffic away from parked cars; and also had the City install a Pedestrian Safety Zone between traffic lanes, after two pedestrian fatalities had occurred @ Ocean Blvd and Loma.  The City and my Councilman came through for me.”  She went on to say, “If I win (another) $1000, I would check the weather forecast and see what storms are coming and prepare the homeless accordingly. The clothes needed would be purchased at my local Goodwill Thrift Store to help support that program.  I would launder the clothes they were wearing.  I would supply fresh fruit and vegetables from local farmers via farmer's markets.  I would also set up a sun shower/hygiene station for the homeless, which is wheelchair accessible, so they could start with the basics of taking care of themselves (if I had money left over).”

KYM CLOUGHESY is a third generation Long Beach resident.  She credits her mom and dad for introducing her to a life of public service and civic responsibility.  In the 1970s her parents organized neighborhood clean-ups, graffiti paint outs and other community events.  In her personal life she is happily married to her husband Phil and has two grown children who, just like her, are Wilson graduates.  Kym works for the Long Beach Police Department as our Community Policing Liaison.  She is responsible for community education and assisting residents in addressing “Quality of Life” issues.  She has volunteered with the Community Action Team for several years and truly enjoys assisting with Operation Santa Paws and the Bulldog Beauty Contest.  She is also a volunteer with Orange County Pit Bull Rescue.  In addition to her human children, she is also a proud pet parent to her houseful of dogs.  Kym writes: “If I win the $1,000 I would focus the funds to assist those residents of Long Beach who are struggling to find their way and get them to a place where they can have the opportunity to find some shelter or stability.”

DANA TREITLER writes, “Probably more commonly known around Long Beach as DJ Dana T, Dana has participated as DJ for Justin Rudds' annual Father/Daughter Dance since the beginning as well as the Long Beach Pride Festival and Prop 8 Rally for Equal Rights and just about every bar in town. She is the proud owner of Happy Tails to You, a pet care providing and training company. She and her dog Honey were just presented with a Bronze Medal from the Presidential Volunteer Service Awards for completing over 250 hours of volunteer service with different organizations helping seniors and children as a therapy dog and handler team.”  She continues, “If I was blessed enough to win the $1,000 I would do my best to find the most amazing senior woman I spoke to on the street walking one of my dogs and I would use that gift to pay for a place for her to sleep and stay warm and buy her fresh food and clean clothes for as long as that money would last.” 

DR. GREG PERRAULT owns and operates Cats & Dogs Animal Hospital in Long Beach. He is Vice-Chair to the Board for the Long Beach Health & Human Services Commission. He writes a monthly pet article for the Grunion Gazette; is a public speaker to LB residents about animal care; is an advisor to the downtown dog park, and volunteers as the first aid veterinarian for Justin Rudd’s dog events.  Greg says, “If I won the $1,000 I would take a classroom of impoverished LBUSD students to the L.A. Zoo. When I was a young child, going to the zoo increased my compassion and curiosity for animals, which was a big influence on me becoming a veterinarian.” Any money left over would go to help the Long Beach Animal Care Services to help with supplies.

ANDREW CAPRA is a composer and arranger originally from San Francisco who has called Long Beach home for the past two years. After graduating from UC Irvine he spent the majority of time on tour and writing music used for film and TV. Recently Andrew has been preparing a new record as well as writing for other artists and arranging orchestral music. When he challenged his girlfriend Monique to try the Miss Long Beach pageant he had little idea that the next year he and his girlfriend, now Miss Long Beach 2011, would be regulars at many C.A.T. events and meet an entirely new circle of friends. He is of the belief that there are needy and hungry in everyone's backyard and has a passion for keeping kids on the road to higher education.  He writes, “If I win the $1,000 I plan to help provide materials for after-school programs where teachers have been reaching into their own pockets to keep students inspired and off the street.”

The 2010 $250 Mini Grant Awardees

1. Ginger Roels
2. Pauline Holub
3. Carrie Bockman
4. Alison Dizon
5. Mike Prado
6. Maria Dales
7. Ash Blythen
8. Larry Herschler
9. Donna Bergeron-Birge
10. Shelley Reed
11. Tobi McKinley
12. Laura Scully
13. Teresa Nikoletich
14. Debi Miller
15. Lynda Muenzer
16. Christine Frumen
17. Marsha Chapman
18. Jorge Quintero
19. Bobbi Clarke
20. Joylyn Souter-Fowler
21. Andrean  Brown-Jacobs

2009 CONTESTANT BIOS & PHOTOS

click: 2009 recap

EXAMPLE OF A CONTESTANT'S "GIVE" (L to R: Contestant Lisa Woodruff, Veronica, baby Sarella & her son Christian) LISA WOODRUFF WRITES: I contacted the Miller’s Children Hospital to see if any new parents needed some help. A social worker contacted me and told me about Veronica. She is a single mother of a 13-year-old son named Christian. On March 24, she gave birth to a little girl named Sarella. In her 8th month of her pregnancy they found out she had a mass on her spine. When she was born, they discovered a tumor on her head. They removed both masses, but they realized her legs are paralyzed and some of her fingers are partially paralyzed. Veronica  brought home the baby last week, with no way to support her as she cannot work right now. She and her children are living with a kind Chinese couple who she met in a laundromat. She needs everything. She has nothing. I asked my friend who speaks Spanish to be my interpreter and she was so moved by her story, she is gathering baby clothes from all her sisters & daughter who had babies last year. She needs special baby formula, diapers, wipes and food. The basics to live on, nothing special. I am moved to tears by the desperation of her need. I bought her those needed things and I also added some basic baby clothes, and a bottle. I then got some rice, beans, bread and juice. When I met her, I found a sweet 13 year old who loves his baby sister & a very confused mother of a disabled newborn. I also found the tiniest, most beautiful baby. I held her, and she just looked at me like she knew me. To see what little they had humbled me. To see the tough road ahead for them worried me. But, to see the love they have for each other encouraged me and gave me hope for them.

2009 Contestant Bios

Patti Allen
is the mom of three grown boys.  As they were growing up she was lucky enough to participate in all their activities: PTA (Fremont, Lowell, Jefferson and Wilson), soccer, cub scouts, baseball, golf, and basketball.  She owns Arbor By The Bay on 2nd St. and previously owned Holly's Hallmark.  She's had a presence on 2nd St. for 26 years and lives just a half block from her store. 

Lorraine D'Abate
has lived in Long Beach since 1985 and loves this city. She has been involved with many organizations in town, but especially has a heart for anything that involves children. Presently one of the things she loves is her volunteer work in NICU at the hospital as a "cuddler."  She single-handedly raised enough money so she and volunteers planted about 500 trees in the Heights area. She had quite a few physical obstacles to overcome in 2008, but she believes we're all in this together "to make life less difficult for each other."

Moses Freyre
was born in Peru, but has lived in L.A. county and South Bay for most of his life.  Moses worked for the health department in L.A. for sixteen years; providing resources, education and services to prevent the spread of STDs.  Moses is very involved in his community.  Moses is active with Friends Without Barriers; a program that provides services to persons infected with HIV/AIDS. Moses works tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for the organizations that he supports.  Moses has volunteered with CAT for the past two years.  Moses continues to be involved with AIDS walks, AIDS rides, Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals--to name a few, and other organizations that benefit people, animals and the community as a whole. 

Eddie Gonzalez
was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, where he grew up as the oldest of 3 brothers and 1 sister.  He has called Southern Calif. his home for 12 years.  Eddie has worked in the hotel hospitality industry for over 15 years.  He has had the pleasure to work for some of the finest hotels in the U.S. including Hilton, St Regis, Four Seasons, and now Hyatt in sales and catering as a Meeting Concierge.  He loves to entertain, so it is only fitting that he also works as an Event Services Manager for his good friend's catering company based out of San Clemente.  He feels very fortunate to be able to be a part of this Long Beach Giving Project in this current economic climate. 

Kate Karp
was born and grew up in Paterson, New Jersey and educated in the Bronx, Seattle and Los Angeles. She spent 30 years teaching migrant education, developmental reading and English-language development. After 30 years of teaching children of all nationalities, including North American, to communicate and of correcting the spelling and grammar of her colleagues (which gained her lots of love and unending friendship), she discovered that she could get paid for the latter, got her journalism certificate, and is now a copyeditor for three publications. She also co-writes, with Judy Crumpton, the Pet Post for lbpost.com. As to pets, Kate has always loved animals--her two cats, Woodbine and Mildred, godcats Eugene and Winley, and a number of furry little spirits will attest to that. She has involved herself with animal welfare in Irvine and for the past 10 years with Friends of Long Beach Animals. She likes many people, too, and helps with spelling bees, libraries, and whatever fuels her passion and earns her breathing space on the planet. Kate has often lain abed, dreaming of being a fairy godmother to needy people. The Long Beach Giving Project has given her the opportunity to do just that.

Julie Kim
Is an AP clerk for a construction company. She enjoys giving of her time to volunteer for different causes. She especially enjoys volunteering her time to Justin's causes and is a lead volunteer at the monthly 30-Minute Beach Cleanups. She is honored to have been given the chance to be a part of the Long Beach Giving Project. She lives alone with her cat Curious George. Other than volunteering her time, she enjoys a good book and baking.

Colin MacDiarmid
is a Midwest transplant and has lived in Long Beach for 12 years. He often commutes to work in Carson by bike and spends many early mornings running the bike path on the beach. He is very fond of animals, having a cat and two snakes at home, and was a volunteer at the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific for three years.  He's also been active with the Community Action Team at beach cleanups, dog events and running events. 

Kevin Nicholson
A Chicago native, Kevin moved alone to Long Beach when he was 19 to pursue his education and a better life.  He has lived in Belmont Shore for the past 20 years, and truly values its strong sense of community.  Many people in Belmont Shore know him as being the owner of Louis, the tiny 3.5 pound Yorkshire Terrier that follows him along Second St.  After graduating from CSULB, Kevin started his own real-estate appraisal and consulting business, and has been doing so for 14 years.  However, he may find himself embarking on a new career as he has just applied to CSULB to get a master's degree in school counseling.  He is currently being trained as a Life Care Counselor through Rock Harbor Church, and is in on the leadership team for The Long Beach Project, a new Long Beach church plant.  His volunteer work has included building houses for the poor in Mexico, Big Brother's of Greater Los Angeles, serving at the Long Beach Rescue Mission, participating in the Beach Cleanup, and the Padua House, a transitional home located in Long Beach for people living with HIV/AIDS, where he organizes activities and promotes a sense of caring and community amongst the residents.  Kevin is a strong believer in the importance of community and uses his love of beach volleyball to organize games every Sat. in Belmont Shore to promote unity . . . please join him!

Lynda Muenzer
A Long Beach native, Lynda believes the "Purpose of life is a Life of Purpose". A career in education has always seemed purposeful. Lynda considers travel one of the best educations but also holds three different teaching credentials and has taught Technology at Kettering Elementary School for the last 11 years and prior to that mostly taught Health, P.E., and or Technology at Wilson High.  She even met her amazing husband, Bob, also a teacher, while substitute teaching at his school.  Their three active children provided many opportunities for volunteerism, and some of the best moments of Lynda's life.  Lynda has also been a fitness instructor for almost 30 years, in the beginning, for cruise lines and for the Belmont Athletic Club since its opening in 1980.  In 2003 Lynda represented Long Beach as a Goodwill Ambassador in Yokkaichi, Japan, Long Beach's sister city.  She is the biggest fan of the show, Amazing Race, and would do anything to be a participant!  She shares Justin's love for the city of Long Beach especially since her mother, Carole White, was the first Miss Long Beach in 1950. 

2008 Contestant Bios
BETH BARNES
is a third generation Long Beach resident raised as the fourth child of Arch and Annemarie Forster.  She credits her mom and dad for her giving and caring attitude.  They never missed a chance to give of their time, their efforts or their financial blessings; the perfect role model for six children.  Her mother is still in Long Beach and still giving.  Beth left Long Beach after graduating from Wilson to attend the University of San Francisco.  On her 30th birthday she sold everything, exchanged a career for one backpack and set off to experience life far from the privilege she'd enjoyed.  She traveled solo for 13 months around the world, favoring developing countries and remote regions to the glitz and glamour of the tourist destinations.  She married an Englishman in the 13th month of her travels and had two beautiful daughters. After 12 years in England, she and her children returned home with three suitcases and great uncertainty.  As part of the Giving Project Beth celebrates Long Beach and keeps the giving tradition alive in honor of her daughters and her parents, all of whom she credits as her greatest role models.

LISA BLAND
She is a single mom to a 23-year-old daughter and her 6-year-old Boxer, King-Jake!  Although born in Wichita Falls, TX, and raised all over the world, Southern California is considered her home, as she has spent most of her early childhood in West Covina and San Pedro.  She is a true believer in living a life of integrity and giving.  She thinks this is most likely her genetic coding as her mother is a retired high school teacher, who continues to devote her time to volunteer and community efforts; her father was an executive for the Boy Scouts of America who spent much of his career facilitating and providing scouting opportunities to inner city youth.  Thus, community activism for the greater good has always been a part of her life; from food collection for the poor, raising money for AIDS/HIV awareness, breast cancer walk-a-thons, family assistance for displaced Katrina victims and volunteering with charitable organizations, are just to name a few.  She has been in healthcare for 27 years and has worked in sales, program development, care planning, education, and business development – and has been a licensed Occupational Therapist for 12 years -- involved in every aspect of patient care.

NANCY BUCHANAN
She is the proud mom of David and Tanya and the loving owner of Truffles, her dog.  At an early age, her mom taught her and her twin brother to give back. They were given money to donate to UNICEF at Christmas.  That influenced her, and she is proud that both of her children give back.  She rented in Long Beach before purchasing 12 1/2 years ago. She has worked in Long Beach at the VA in cardiology research, Long Beach Memorial's Health Promotion Department and the Career Transition Center.  To her, it's about wellness and fitness and helping people live a more productive and healthy life-helping people help themselves.  Recent volunteer involvement with CAT includes being Long Beach coordinator of Operation Santa Paws the last three years; Operation Easter Basket; Haute Dog Parades; 30-Minute Beach Cleanups; Turkey Trot and Grunion Run races; 4th of July Kids Bike Parade; Father/Daughter Dance.  Other volunteer efforts include the 26.2 Club-Long Beach Marathon; Breast Cancer Angels; Jonathan Jacques Children's Cancer Center relay run; Belmont Shore Residents Association board member; Belmont Shore Business Association volunteer; Helped neighbor with Food Finders collection. Past volunteer involvement includes Habitat for Humanity; Holiday dinner on Pine at Mum's; Holiday dinners and toy collections at the Career Transition Center.

MICHAEL DAY
is an extern chiropractor and exercise physiologist at the Advanced Wellness Center.  He is inspired daily seeing individuals in the Long Beach community reach their health and wellness goals and return to the lives and activities they love.  Michael has made it his future mission and goal to gather the community with inspired health practitioners to one day make Long Beach the healthiest city in the U.S.  He is honored to be a part of the Long Beach Giving Project and has been challenged and inspired by the artistry of Justin Rudd's giving in the community.  Michael and his wife Lael are natives of West Virginia and moved to Calif. so that he could shadow with the top holistic practitioners of the alternative medicine professions and fell in love with the coast and the culture.  Michael enjoys travel and has volunteered in the Sudan and Jamaica doing service work.  He is an avid surfer and has interned at the U.S. Open of Surfing and Boost Mobile Pro, the Super Bowl of U.S. surfing.  Whether through the art of painting, giving, loving, drumming, writing, or holistic medicine, Michael loves to live his life as an art piece displayed to his Creator.

BRAD GEROW 
is a region business director for a pharmaceutical company, as well as a registered pharmacist by education.  He is constantly motivated to do more to improve the lives of those people in Long Beach & Los Angeles that are struggling to live productive lives.  Brad not only volunteers and gets involved in community service in Long Beach, but he also assist friends in Los Angeles that regularly go to Skid Row in Downtown LA to prepare and serve food for those less fortunate.  He recently started working with a new company which has required that he be in Georgia for two weeks of this contest, however he is still very committed to making an impact in Long Beach through his 'Long Beach Kindness, Pass It On' project.  Brad has only lived in Long Beach for four months and has jumped right into helping make Long Beach a better place for all to call home.  He recently moved back to California from New Jersey where his job took him for career advancement opportunities.  He is originally from Michigan, but earned his pharmacy degree at the University of Oklahoma and has also lived in New Jersey, Georgia and Nebraska.   Brad enjoys travel, volunteering, physical fitness, sports and being around friends and family.

JANET HIGLEY

SAMUEL LIPPKE

RALPH MILLERO
Ralph's Dad always told him, "Worry is like a rocking chair.  It gives you something to do, but takes you nowhere." Passionate about life and always seeking new experiences, willing to take chances, and not giving up till he succeeds, Ralph set out for his future.  Completing graduate studies in Virginia, he moved to Hollywood. He has had the great fortune of working with some of the top directors, producers, and actors in the film industry.  Selena, A Civil Action, Cold Mountain, The Interpreter, and Michael Clayton are just a few of the films that taught him the film industry.  Mirage Enterprises has served as his home in this business for the last ten years, and Sydney Pollack and Anthony Minghella are his mentors.  His connections in the business led him to Paul Newman and his organization The Hole in the Wall Gang.  This charity that is the benefactor of Newman's Own products serves a camp for terminally ill children.  It is a life-changing opportunity for him to dedicate his time to assist these inspiring kids in summer activities. He continues to explore, dream and discover in Long Beach with his family -- Justin, Rosie and Riley.

AMY MORIN
grew up in Southern California, the eldest of three children, going to the beach, playing soccer and participating in Girl Scouts.  She came to Long Beach almost 30 years ago to attend Calif. State University, Long Beach where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications and Interpersonal Relations.  She was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority where she served as secretary, social chairman and rush advisor.  During college, she worked for the LBUSD as a classroom aide for students with learning disabilities.  Her senior year of college she spent a semester attending the University of London, traveling to Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy. After college she worked at Neiman Marcus where she met her husband, Marc, and they have been married for 20 years.  They live in Belmont Shore with their 8-year-old daughter Lindsey and their wheaten terrier Higgins.  Lindsey attends Lowell Elementary where Amy volunteers in her classroom and for the past four years has led her Girl Scout troop.  She has worked part time for a dermatologist at St. Mary's Medical Center for almost 20 years....a job she will never leave due to the fact her boss keeps her looking young.

APRIL RIVAS
a 2nd generation Long Beach native, has resided in the Belmont Shore area for 25 years with her husband, Larry. Every week, April delivers clothing to local charities. She solicits donations of household items for the Long Beach Public Health nurses. April is a dedicated member of the Community Action Team. She is project coordinator of Operation Easter Basket, which provides more than 1,500 baskets to underserved children of Long Beach. April became a member of the Catholic Church in 1996, where she has acted as a youth leader for confirmation candidates and has served meals to the poor of inner-city Los Angeles. For the last 18 years, April, a stay-home mom, has divided her time between her three children at three different schools; Jacqueline at Calif. State University Long Beach, Oliver at Woodrow Wilson High School, and Meredith at Lowell Bayside Academy. Throughout her children's years of education, she has been a helper in the library, the classroom and at every annual carnival. April never misses a chance to cheer her kids on at their wide-ranging activities, from skateboard competitions, theatrical performances, and Girl Scout meetings. When April can get a rare moment to herself, she enjoys collecting beach glass, constructing giant rubber band balls, and traveling on her favorite airline, Express Jet.

LILIANE ROY
emigrated from France and has lived in the U.S. for the last 25 years. She is a nurse RN and a Public Health nurse PHN, and will be graduating with a dual master's degree in May 2009 in Nursing Science and in Public Health (MSN/MPH).  She is involved in the City of Long Beach as an intern for a gang prevention and violence reduction program called the Weed and Seed Program. She is also involved with C.A.T. and volunteers for Justin's multiple activities. She is a runner as well and participant in Justin's Sand Challenge classes. She is a volunteer for the American Red Cross as a nurse, and she belongs to the Long Beach Medical Reserve Corps.  She enjoys traveling abroad, spending time with her son and follows his basketball dreams. She enjoys reading, running, spending time with friends and helping others.  She wants to live her life to the fullest with adventure, honesty, and enthusiasm, while being a leader for her son, and contributing to her family's well being. To be passionate, helping the less fortunate by working in an international setting to alleviate suffering and offer solutions. Give back to her community by being a volunteer and a local leader. To provide a climate of calm, respect, wisdom and change to her family and friends. To leave a legacy of strength and achievements addressed to others in need. 

ANDY VACA
Eclectic, yet serious training has been at the core of Andy Vaca's artistic life since he started playing the violin in the 4th grade.  He is currently an Assistant Professor and the Assistant Department Chair of the CSU Long Beach Dance Department where he teaches numerous movement and theory courses.  His dance career began in Sacramento with the Jazzworks Dance Company, and took him to L.A. where he earned an M.F.A. in dance from UCLA.  Andy assisted Tony Award winner Twyla Tharp, and later danced with the Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, Keith Johnson/Dancers, Bodytalk, and Roman Dance Theatre.  Andy's wide range of concert and sports team choreography has been danced by the Nannette Brodie Dance Theater, the L.A. Clipper Girls, the L.A. Laker Girls, the Boston Celtic Dancers, and has been presented at the Dance Under the Stars Festival in Palm Desert.  Last fall, Andy choreographed the Thanksgiving Day halftime show for the Detroit Lions featuring the Goo Goo Dolls that was telecast nationally on FOX-TV.  Andy has volunteered for a wide array of C.A.T. events since moving to Long Beach in 2002, and is thrilled to be a part of the Long Beach Giving Project. 

LISA SACHIKO WOODRUFF
Due to her mother's Japanese heritage, Lisa has her first name as her middle name. It means "girl full of happiness." Lisa is told she smiles a lot. She has always embraced her mixed heritage. She is 44 years old, but feels 15 on the inside. She is an only child. She was born and raised in Long Beach, but spent most of her summers in Japan. She graduated from CSULB with a BA in Speech Communication. She married her hair stylist and then became a hair stylist a couple years later. They own their own hair salon on Main St. in Seal Beach. Their hair styles have been published nationally & internationally. She has been married to her husband Woody for 19 years. They have 2 four year olds, Mochi & Olive. They are pugs. They currently live in Huntington Beach. Her hobbies are photography and anything that has to do with her pugs.

WHAT ELSE DOES C.A.T. DO?
Details about the Community Action Team C.A.T. and their more than 32 annual Long Beach events and projects are at www.JustinRudd.com.