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Pepperdine Hosts COASTAL Family Walk/Run to Raise Money for Underprivileged Children in Los Angeles

More than 700 people participated in the first COASTAL 5K/10K walk/run at Dockweiler Beach, Playa del Rey, hosted by the Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) at Pepperdine on January 29. The event—fully-titled Children’s Outreach: Advancing Social Transformation and Learning—included walkers and runners of all ages and skill levels all united with the aim of raising money to support education and psychology programs for underprivileged children in Los Angeles.

"COASTAL was a wonderful family event that really reflected the GSEP community,” says Margaret Weber, dean of GSEP. “I heard from students, faculty, staff, and family members about how much they enjoyed the event, and especially valued that we were supporting children's causes. It was a very special day, and the start of a great legacy."

The day started off at the chilly time of 8 a.m. and warmed up as the race progressed through to 12 noon. Popular attractions included a crepe truck for the spectators and finishers, and a Kiddie K race for children.

Many of the 2.5 children in Los Angeles endure serious social, economic, and mental health challenges, inhibiting them from realizing their fullest potential. More than 4,000 children aged 0-5 years do not have a place to sleep and families with children are one of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population; one in five children has a diagnosable mental illness and nearly two-thirds of these kids receive little to no help; and one in three students will not complete high school, a rate even higher among minorities and students with mental health challenges. These students are three times more likely to be imprisoned during their lifetime.

Funds raised at the first COASTAL event will go toward preparing K-12 teachers for service in urban areas; counseling families who cannot afford it (via GSEP’s Community Counseling Clinics); and caring for homeless children (through the school’s partnership with the Union Rescue Mission and Hope Gardens).

For more information, visit the Graduate School of Education and Psychology website.