Jim Fox and The Guidance Center hosted Sunset Sip at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center on Friday at the fourth annual fundraiser for the Long Beach-based center for counseling and comprehensive mental health services. Having moved into its new headquarters a year ago at the corner of Anaheim St. and Pine Ave. in Long Beach, The Guidance Center has consolidated its services and situated itself within close proximity to many of the disadvantaged children and families who have benefited from its outreach. Kings fans, in efforts spearheaded by Fox and Executive Director Patricia Costales, have served as generous and important fundraisers in support of the non-profit organization.
(more on The Guidance Center’s efforts)
As Sunset Sip’s friendly and competitive spin, guests sampled wines and tried to decipher their types. A silent and live auction of vacations, team and player paraphernalia, and a chance to attend Fox’s Stanley Cup Party also helped raise funds.
Jim Fox speaking at the Sunset Sip in Long Beach benefiting The Guidance Center. Go Kings Go! @LAKings pic.twitter.com/Z6W8oLe1H8
— Mike Kralis (@MikeKralis) September 13, 2014
Earlier today, Kings fans, South Bay residents and those in support of a great cause joined together at the LA Kings 5K Run-Walk, hosted by Daryl Evans and benefiting Hydrocephalus Association.
A great morning & reason to roll out of bed & support the #LAKings & @HydroAssoc 5k @keeperofthecup #KingsWeekly #NHL pic.twitter.com/VFmNifKl3c
— Alex Curry (@Alex_Curry) September 13, 2014
Hydrocephalus, a medical condition in which excess fluid accumulates in brain cavities, affects Charlie Pope, the two-year-old son of Kings Director of Community Relations Jennifer Pope and her husband, Matt. Charlie is one of over one million people affected by the condition, yet fundraising often lags behind the efforts in support of treatment for other medical conditions. (donate here)
Hydrocephalus research funding is far behind other conditions with similar prevalence numbers. Total NIH funding for hydrocephalus research in 2011 was only $6.4M; by comparison, NIH funded $151M in Parkinson’s Disease research. In 2012 and 2013, that number stayed steady at $6.8M and $6.5M, respectively. In the current funding environment, maintaining our current funding level is good, and many of the funded investigators have ties with HA. Clearly, however, hydrocephalus research needs to become a research priority for more laboratories, clinics, and the NIH.
Jennifer Pope, on the challenges faced in raising awareness for Hydrocephalus:
A strong contingent of Kings players, broadcasters and members of the club’s business operations took part in the 5K. Anze Kopitar and Adam Cracknell presented awards, as Evans, Bailey and the Ice Crew presided over the closing ceremony.
Anze Kopitar, on the players’ support representing their camaraderie:
“We’re the luckiest people in the world,” Jennifer Pope said. “A Saturday morning at 7:30, and they all come up and are just so supportive, and they lend their name and their time to this cause? I mean, I couldn’t ask for anything else. They’re the best.”
@Alex_Curry talking to @AnzeKopitar & Gustl about the @LAKings @HydroAssoc 5k pic.twitter.com/pEBNw0gXHe
— FOX Sports West (@FoxSportsWest) September 13, 2014
The @lakings' Matt Greene chats about supporting employee Jennifer pope and her son. @foxsportswest #team https://t.co/aO3RlKbTPO
— Jill Painter Lopez (@jillpainter) September 13, 2014
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