January 11, 2016

Angel View capped off 2015 with a record-breaking fundraiser.  On December 31, 40+ swimmers participated in the 4th Annual New Year’s Eve Day 100×100 Swimathon raising over $11,000, which is more than the first three years of the Swimathon combined.

“I am elated with the participation from swimmers and donors,” said event creator and organizer Steven Erickson, CPA, managing partner of Maryanov Madsen Gordon & Campbell. “The Swimathon was an amazing way to wrap up 2015 and dive into 2016! The money raised will go a long way toward helping local children with disabilities who are served by Angel View, and we’re already planning on how to raise even more money next year.”

The Swimathon was held at the Palm Springs Swim Center, home of the Piranha Masters Swim Team. Several dozen Angel View clients were on hand to cheer the swimmers on as they swam the 10,000 yards (100 yards, 100 times).

Dana Krueger, Robert Breitel, Abby Kartzinel and Erickson swam even further for Angel View, completing an astonishing 11,000 yards or 6.25 miles. Elizabeth Wickham joined the Piranha Masters in April 2105 and swam a personal-best of 5,000 yards. Piranha swimmers Geoff Johansen and Sunday Tomlin each completed 8,000 yards.

Kartzinel, from Ladera Ranch, is a gold medalist on the 12-and-under 2015 U.S. National Synchronized Swimming team.  As part of her Bat Mitzvah project, for the first time in her life, she swam a 10K and surpassed her fundraising goal of $1,834.

Donations are still being accepted and can be made online at: www.AngelView.org (please note “swim” in the comments field).

Founded in 1954, Angel View offers three primary services for people with disabilities: 24-hour residential care for children and adults with disabilities, a therapeutic Day Program for adults with disabilities; and Angel View Outreach, which assistance to local families struggling to raise children with disabilities. Angel View resale stores in Riverside and San Bernardino counties generate vital revenues that enable the nonprofit to provide an exceptional quality of life for clients.

For more information, visit www.AngelView.org, email info@angelview.org, or call (760) 329-6471.

JESUS’ STORY

Jesus, 23, has cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder. Once he completed his special education classes, his parents, who both work full-time, needed a place where he could continue to grow. He started our Day Program 10 months ago.

He was shy when he first arrived and prone to speaking one word answers. So we were thrilled to see him open up and use full sentences when he responds to staffers like Hope, whom he clearly adores. Jesus participates in all activities. He knows the routine and where he’s supposed to be. When it’s time to leave, he grabs his bag, waits for him mom, and looks forward to coming back.