OUR STORY

 

In response to the 2018 tragedies in California, professional baseball players Christian Yelich, Ryan Braun and Mike Moustakas, with Mike Attanasio from the Milwaukee Brewers Ownership Group and Lions’ Quarterback, Jared Goff, joined forces with the Southeast Ventura County YMCA to create CALIFORNIA STRONG.  California Strong’s commitment to 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, quickly resulted in it becoming a household name.

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It was soon recognized there was an obvious need for immediate financial assistance after major disasters. Harnessing the energy and enthusiasm surrounding California Strong, the team established an on-going charity providing support to all Californians after disasters. California Strong has provided assistance to the Santa Cruz Boat Tragedy on September 3, 2019, the Helicopter Crash on January 26, 2020 and the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund in partnership with the Ventura County Community Foundation. Donations were also provided to Feeding America, UCSF Health, UCLA Health and Cedars-Sinai during the pandemic. In the fall of 2020, support was given to the California wildfire survivors and most recently, a second round of funding was given to the Woolsey Fire survivors who are continuing their recovery and have faced additional challenges throughout the pandemic.

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Grants provided to families address their immediate financial needs directly following a disaster.

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Key statistics about California Strong Grant Disbursements:

• Over $2.6 million dollars have been distributed to households throughout the state.

• Over 1400 families have received grants.

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CALIFORNIA STRONG encompasses several fundraising events to ensure maximum exposure and participation in support of those in need now, and for months and years to come.  With the support of professional athletes, actors and musicians alike, we seek to promote a united front as we help the countless people in need to rebuild and thrive.