What an energizing and joyful weekend we had at the LA Marathon March 15–16, 2025! We passed our $10,000 LA Marathon fundraising goal thanks to all of YOU! 

Your support got us to the finish line!

Thank you, friends and supporters! Coming together in community after everything that has already happened this year was so meaningful. Multiple members of our team lost their houses in the L.A. wildfires. People are reeling from the chaos and instability hitting us from Washington, D.C. The marathon weekend helped root our feet to the ground. It helped us look to the future by gaining support from each other. 

Thank you for sharing in our experience and cheering us on with generosity, passion, and kindness! Scroll to the end for links to the videos from the weekend.

Starting out early on a cold, sunny, Saturday morning at Dodger Stadium, the parking lot was filled with runners of all ages, all abilities, and even their furry companions. Our booth was filled with great conversations amongst people who may have never met, but came together to support End Child Poverty CA’s mission of progressive legislation, public investments, and equitable implementation of programs and services that have transformative impacts on families and communities.

Poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness are expected to rise in Los Angeles because of the tragic wildfires that have displaced so many communities, workers, and small businesses. The wildfires burned over 40,000 acres, killed at least 24 people, damaged or destroyed an estimated 12,000 homes and other structures, and over 300 schools. This is a devastating loss to the LA community. Children and families, now more than ever, need a strong safety net and vital cash supports to get back on their feet and rebuild their lives.

End Child Poverty Powered by GRACE works to defend and enhance a wide variety of programs from CalWORKs, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and federal Child Tax Credit (CTC), CalFresh and SNAP food benefits, Baby Bonds, and Guaranteed Income. 

Statistics show 3.2 million more Californians (8.4%), including 1.3 million (14.9%) children, would have lived in poverty if not for safety net programs in early 2023. Thanks to your support we are able to work intersectionally to make sure these programs are more family-centered, accessible, and streamlined for all our communities.

The energy was high throughout the day. If our ECPCA team wasn’t stretching, they were dancing. If they weren’t dancing, they were laughing, all anticipating what lays ahead. Whether they walked, ran, or a combination of both, each participant was greeted victoriously at the Team ECPCA booth. Everyone was on the same runner’s high, feeling accomplished and thinking, “I can’t believe I just did that!” Our marathon, half-marathon, and 5k runners and walkers all did an amazing job!

Our community of supporters is making a real difference in the lives of California families and helping our organization advocate for billions in investments in proven anti-poverty programs. Our fundraising efforts and your valuable support don’t just help us, they ensure that California’s children are secure, respected, nourished, valued, and free.

Thank You to Our LA Marathon Team!

• Amleth L
• Andrew Cheyne 
• Annette Ricchiazzi 
• Boris Garcia
• Brandon Wong
• Danielle Garcia
• Dominic Moore
• Emmerald Evans 
• Evelyn Shoop
• Itzel Vasquez-Rodriguez
• James M Perez 
• Jennifer Bangit
• Jennifer Purcell Jones
• Joel Vilmenay
• Kelly Ross
• Lester Robancho
• Marcy Harbut
• Monica Lazo
• Moriane Rivera
• Osihena E Bramah
• Patrick Purcell Jones
• Samantha Wilkinson
• Shimica Gaskins 
• Shirelle Vilmenay 
• Sister Lisa Laguna 
• Sister Marie Rachelle Cruz
• Stephanie Liem 
• Sylvia Aguirre
• Theresa Campos
• Yesenia Jimenez

Related Posts

• 2025 ECPCA IMAGINE Priorities!
• LA Fires Support for Families Right Now
• We’re Not Going Anywhere

ECPCA Social Media from the Marathon!

• Thank You to Our Supporters!
• Team ECPCA
• We Did It!