Courtesy photo.
VENTURA COUNTY — In response to the recent tragedies in California, professional baseball players Christian Yelich, Ryan Braun and Mike Moustakas, along with Rams’ quarterback Jared Goff, have joined forces with the Southeast Ventura County YMCA to create California Strong. California Strong is raising money and awareness to support those affected by the Borderline shooting in Thousand Oaks, the Camp Fire in Northern California and the Woolsey and Hill Fires in Southern California.
Since California Strong is part of the disaster relief program for the Southeast Ventura County YMCA, donations are 100% tax deductible with 100% of the proceeds of this campaign going directly to those in need.
California Strong encompasses a number of fundraising efforts to help those who are suffering now and in the months and years to come. In addition to accepting monetary donations, California Strong is holding online auctions and is hosting a Celebrity Softball game at Pepperdine University on January 13, 2019. Other events are in the works. So far, over $300,000 has been donated.
“We’re all from these areas and we’ve seen the devastation firsthand,” says Christian Yelich, outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers, 2018 National League MVP who was born in Thousand Oaks and attended Westlake High School. “We understand how much help people need and we are trying to do our part to give back and help everybody improve their lives.”
“With the support of professional athletes, actors, musicians and the public, we seek to promote a united front as we support countless people rebuild and thrive,” says Ronnie Stone, CEO of the Southwest Ventura County YMCA, which serves Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Moorpark and Simi Valley. “Our community was hit hard as was Calabasas, Malibu and north in Paradise. We’re hoping that when tragedy strikes anywhere in California, California Strong will be there to lend support.”
For more information and to donate, go to https://www.ca-strong.com, email info@ca-strong.com or call Southeast Ventura County YMCA, 805-497-3081.