When
Monday, May 2
Clinic: 4-5:30 p.m. Harbor Island, Mamaroneck (look for the NOGA and LLS signs when you get there)

Meet and Greet with Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca: 6-7:30 p.m. at Harry’s Burritos, 94 Chatsworth Avenue, Larchmont

Who
5-10 year olds and their parents

Fee
$40 donation per child when you pre-register ($45 day of event)
Register here: NOGA registration site

Why
The event will raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in honor of Ethan, a soccer and reality TV star and recent lymphoma survivor.

The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. Since its start in 1949, the LLS has invested more than $750 million in research and over $72 million was invested in fiscal year 2010 alone.

Ethan Zohn is the 2002 winner of the reality television show Survivor. With his 1 million dollar prize money, Ethan co-founded Grassroot Soccer, a nonprofit organization that trains professional soccer players to teach African children about HIV/AIDS prevention (to help build awareness Ethan embarked on a world-record-breaking 550-mile journey on foot, from Boston, MA, to Washington, D.C. -dribbling a soccer ball the entire route). Ethan has more than 20 years of professional soccer experience as a player, a coach and a commentator. He has hosted The MSG Soccer Report (Madison Square Garden Network) and F.C. Fox (Fox Soccer Channel), in addition to working as a commentator for The U.S. Men’s National team at the 2002 World Cup. He is the author of the soccer-themed children’s book series, Soccer World. In 2010, Ethan was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After a successful stem cell transplant, he is currently in remission. Ethan and his longtime girlfriend, Survivor winner Jenna Morasca, are now focusing their efforts on raising funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. They live in New York City.

If you are unable to attend the event but would like to support Ethan and Jenna’s fundraising efforts for LLS, please click here: http://nyc.mwoy.llsevent.org/JennaM

Registration

You can register anytime with NOGA’s secure online registration at the NOGA Registration site.

When Disney runners take to the Disney’s Princess Half Marathon on Sunday, they will be competing in a record field for the annual Walt Disney World race. Disney Sports announced today that joining the nearly 17,000 athletes on the half-marathon course will be two competitors from the reality television show “Survivor.”

Jenna Morasca and Ethan Zohn, winners of the “Survivor: Amazon” and “Survivor: Africa” seasons, will run Sunday’s race. Morasca and Zohn will also appear at the Fit for a Princess Expo, held at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World, on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. – noon.

Read the full article

Formerly called Lose The Shoes, hundreds of high schools, colleges/universities, and youth organizations have been hosting tournaments benefitting Grassroot Soccer over the past several years. Since the inception of Lose The Shoes in 2006, more than $250,000 has been raised to provide HIV prevention and health education for youth in Africa.

INSPI(RED) SOCCER is sport with a purpose. It’s fun, energy, music, and films. It’s youth around the world helping to eliminate AIDS by fighting for an AIDS Free Generation, where every child is born HIV free and with a chance for a healthy future. It’s the global soccer community coming together to solve one of the world’s most pressing health crises. INSPI(RED) SOCCER is an effort organized by college and high school volunteers, soccer players, campus organizations, or students, who want to make a difference.

“(RED) is excited to partner with Grassroot Soccer and engage young people in the fight to create a generation that is better equipped to beat AIDS,” said Jenifer Willig, CMO of (RED). “At (RED) we are focused on helping raise funds and awareness of the global healthy communities’ goal of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and making the possibility of an AIDS Free Generation born in 2015 a reality.”

All funds raised will support Grassroot Soccer’s INSPI(RED) SOCCER events in Africa, which consists of access to HIV education, testing, and treatment for youth through soccer based activities. For every $2,500 raised through student-driven INSPI(RED) SOCCER events, 100 youth will participate in a life-changing INSPI(RED) SOCCER event in Africa.

The first public announcement of INSPI(RED) SOCCER will take place at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Annual Convention in Baltimore, MD, beginning on January 13, 2010. There will be the opportunity to hear more about INSPI(RED) SOCCER, sign up to host a tournament, and receive complimentary (PRODUCT)RED™ partner items at the Convention.

To learn more about INSPI(RED) SOCCER, please visit www.grassrootsoccer.org or contact INSPIREDSOCCER@grassrootsoccer.org.

About Grassroot Soccer

Founded by former professional soccer players in 2002, Grassroot Soccer (GRS) trains African soccer stars, coaches, teachers, and peer educators in the world’s most HIV-affected countries to deliver an interactive HIV prevention and life skills curriculum to youth. Translating research into action and leveraging the excitement around the 2010 World Cup, GRS attracts and engages young people through schools, community outreach, and social multimedia (e.g. magazines and TV). GRS has educated more than 270,000 kids via its ‘Skillz’ curriculum, and is a leader in the sport for development movement. For more information, visit
www.grassrootsoccer.org.

About (RED)™ and (PRODUCT)RED™
(RED)’s primary objective is to engage the private sector in raising awareness and funds for the Global Fund, to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Companies whose products take on the (PRODUCT)RED mark contribute a significant percentage of the sales or portion of the profits from that product to the Global Fund to help finance HIV/AIDS programs in Africa, including interventions targeting women and children. Current partners are: American Express (U.K. only), Apple, Bugaboo, Converse, Gap, Emporio Armani, FLOWE(RED) (U.K. only), Hallmark (U.S. only), Dell, Nike, Penfolds, Penguin Classics and Starbucks. Since its launch in the Spring
of 2006, $160 million has been generated by (RED) partners and events for the Global Fund. (RED) money is at work in Ghana, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, and Zambia and supports programs that have reached more than 5 million people. For more information, visit www.joinred.com.

About The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
The Global Fund is a unique global public/private partnership dedicated to attracting and disbursing resources to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. This partnership between governments, civilsociety, the private sector and affected communities represents a new approach to international health financing. Since its creation in 2002, the Global Fund has become the main source of finance for programs to fight these 3 diseases, with funding of USD 19.8 billion for more than 600 programs in 149 countries. It has saved 6.5 million lives, from financing local educational, prevention and treatment programs. (RED)™ is
the Global Fund’s largest private sector contributor. For more information visit www.theglobalfund.org.

Ethan Zohn & Cobi Jones - Photo by Sandra McCurdy

UFC Champion and actor Quinton “Rampage” Jackson crowned Champion of the H.O.M.E. Foundation’s STIKS Celebrity Video Game Challenge For Charity where he won $10,000 for Grassroot Soccer

On Tuesday, January 11, 2011 some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment came out to raise money and awareness for five amazing non-profits.  Junior Achievement of Southern California, The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund; I’m Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation, The Trevor Project and Grassroots Soccer are all organizations making a difference locally and globally, and which have strong support from the Hollywood community.

“High School Musical” star Zac Efron came to the party with his cancer survivor cousin Emily Hobson who is the Regional Chair for the LA Chapter of I’m Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation, the charity that Zac was there to support.  Zac was emotional on the red carpet when he spoke about his “lifelong best friend “and cousin Emily being cancer free and the importance of the work that i2y Cancer Foundation does is to support young adults with cancer.  12 time GRAMMY nominated hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg attended the benefit with his wife Shante Broadus and their son.  Snoop expressed his heartfelt pride about his wife’s “I Am Shante” foundation’s charity work to help empower women and was excited to discuss his youth football league which he started over 7 years ago to give back to children in his community.

Super Bowl Champion, co-host of “FOX NFL Sunday” and actor Michael Strahan attended the benefit with fiancé Nicole Murphy in support of The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which takes care of our brave servicemen and women.  Michael had a personal commitment and wasn’t able to stay for his highly anticipated Madden Football video game battle against Zac Efron, but the two stars plan to schedule a rematch on behalf of The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and I’m Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation, two of their favorite charities.  Michael Strahan assured the celebrity video game tournament organizers, “I’m very excited for this epic video game battle against Zac and I assure you that I wasn’t scared and dodging the “High School Musical” star at last night’s benefit.  I look forward to rescheduling our Madden Football match and to waking away a Champion in honor of The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.”

The final matchup was between WWE Champion Mike “The Miz” Mizanin who represented The Trevor Project and UFC Champion and actor Quinton “Rampage” Jackson who represented Grassroot Soccer.  They battled it out in a game of UFC Undisputed 2010 where Rampage played himself in the game and The Miz played UFC star Forest Griffin.  There was a lot of smack talking between the two finalists and The Miz and Rampage were both intent on being victorious for their charities.  Comedian Brad Sherwood (“Whose Line Is It Anyway”) was the play-by-play commentator for the final matches and was cracking jokes about both contestants that kept the crowd roaring.  The finals was a best 2 out of 3 games and Rampage won the first game against The Miz in under a minute with a fierce knockout and he won the second game in under two minutes crowning him the Champion.

Frank Verdugo, President of the H.OM.E. Foundation, the event’s proud title sponsor, presented Rampage with a check for $10,000 to Grassroots Soccer onstage while the crowd went wild and cheered their Champion.  Rampage said he was in South Africa while promoting his film “The A Team” last year, and he saw firsthand the devastating effects HIV and AIDS has on the people there.  Rampage said that he is so moved that his win in the tournament would help Grassroot Soccer continue their incredible work to fight HIV and AIDS in Africa via education.  “Grassroot Soccer is so honored that Quinton “Rampage” Jackson displayed the skills of a true champion and emerged as the $10,000 winner of the H.OM.E. Foundation’s STIKS Celebrity Video Game Challenge For Charity.  This money will enable GRS to provide the knowledge, life skills and support to hundreds of African youth so they can live HIV free and make the right choices in life”, says Ethan Zohn, founder of Grassroot Soccer and winner of “Survivor.”  Debra Stone from TY KU presented Rampage the Champion with a special gift set, which included TY KU Asian Superfruit Liqueur, Soju Low Cal Vodka alternative (to make “skinny cocktails”) and their premium Junmai Ginjo Sake.

Soccer star Cobi Jones, actors Edwin Hodge, Aldis Hodge, Josh Henderson, Joe Torre and dancer tWitch, were all victorious in their video game battles playing on behalf of Junior Achievement of Southern California, Grassroot Soccer, The Trevor Project, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and I’m Too Young For This Cancer! Foundation.  Actor Chris Evans, seen next as “Captain America” in the comic book blockbuster came out to show his support to The Trevor Project.  The red carpet was packed with stars including Mehcad Brooks, Nick Swardson, Michael Gladis, Briana Evigan, Evan Ross, Robbie Jones, Nestor Serrano, Jonathan Lipnicki, Gregory Michael, Lil C, Samm Levine, Quddus Philippe, Jonathan Lipnicki, Aubry Fisher and more who all had a great time helping to raise money and awareness for five amazing charities last night.

Guests were greeted by NikkiZ Angels’ cheerleaders decked out in Team Threadz uniforms when they entered the party while Queen’s anthem “We Will Rock You” played getting everyone in the mood for some healthy competition.  Aerial artists soared high through the sky as go-go dancers had partygoers joining them on the dancefloor while DJ Cobra, accompanied by live drummer Griffin created an electrifying set.  Girl group BG5 seen on the hit TV show “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” performed two songs and California rap duo, The PAPERMATE$ performed their “STIKS” theme song accompanied by two electric violinists onstage.  Guests enjoyed custom cocktails provided by TY KU, and gourmet snacks and delicious desserts all in the gorgeous multi-media event space at Spot 5750. Frank Verdugo, President of the H.O.M.E. Foundation, announced the launch of their signature H.O.M.E. Foundation raffle at the party and explained to guests how they can continue support their favorite non-profits via the raffle, while winning fabulous prizes like a $1 million dream home in Los Angeles.  As guests left the party, they were treated to Urban Detox by Function Drinks to keep them refreshed and hydrated.

About The H.O.M.E. Foundation:

The H.O.M.E. Foundation believes that helping others means everything. Our mission is to help charities reach their fundraising goals and to bring awareness to their praiseworthy causes. We’re excited to announce the launch of our H.O.M.E. Foundation Raffle, with the grand prize being a fully furnished luxury home in Los Angeles, along with hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional prizes, which will serve as a fundraiser for deserving non-profits across the country.  www.HOMEFoundationRaffle.com

About Junior Achievement of Southern California:

Junior Achievement utilizes the time and talent of over 4,000 volunteer mentors to inspire and empower 100,000 SoCal youth through entrepreneurship and financial education!  JA’s mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.

JA of Southern California is a volunteer driven, not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating students about entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness, through experiential, hands-on programs. JA programs develop sustainable communities by teaching the economic relevance of staying in school. This year more than 4,000 classroom volunteers will teach JA programs to over 100,000 students in ten Southern California counties. For more information, please visit www.JASoCal.org

About The Trevor Project:

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.

www.thetrevorproject.org

Asked why he’s running the New York City marathon less than a year after completing treatment for cancer, Ethan Zohn can only laugh.

“Well, I like to put myself through pain, I guess you could say,” he says. But more seriously, he adds, “My father ran the New York City marathon when I was a kid, and I always wanted to follow in his footsteps.”

But injuries – and cancer – got in the way of Survivor: Africa winner’s goal. “In 2008, I was ready to do it but I tore my ACL,” he says of his anterior cruciate ligament, in his knee. “[Last year] I was ready to run it again, but I was diagnosed with cancer. So, 2010 comes along, and this my year!”

Zohn is also fulfilling the dream he thought about while undergoing treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After receiving a stem cell transplant, he’d stare out the window at Manhattan’s First Ave., where the runners will race on Nov. 7. “I visualized myself everyday running up that road and crossing the finish line,” he says. “It provided me a lot of inspiration – and nine, 10 months later I’m going to be doing it!”

Plenty of Support
Zohn admits that while he’s a bit nervous, he knows he as a lot of support, including from members of his Grassroots Soccer charity, for whom he’s running.

“The beauty is I’m not just running for myself, so I can’t stop,” he says of the organization, which provides HIV/AIDS knowledge, life skills and support to at-risk youth in Africa. “We’re one big happy family.” The team also includes former Bachelor star Lorenzo Borghese, soccer player Leslie Osborne and One Life to Live’s Brett Claywell.

And on the sidelines, Zohn’s family will be cheering him on, alongside his girlfriend of seven years, Jenna Morasca.

“She’ll be running as hard as I am to keep up with me at all points in the race,” he says of his partner, who’s getting her masters in clinical psychology at Columbia University. “She’s fantastic.”

The two are currently collaborating on a book and developing a reality TV show, but don’t expect to hear wedding bells just yet. “We’ll see how the marathon goes,” Zohn says with a laugh.

There’s a larger piece in the Daily News blog Running Dialog by Lauren Johnston.

‘Survivor’ winner Ethan Zohn will run the race for his foundation, Grassroots Soccer

Ethan Zohn, winner of CBS’ “Survivor,” cancer survivor
Marathons run: one 36-mile ultra-marathon
Time goal: About 4 hours, 30 minutes
Favorite NYC run: West Side Highway
Running for: His GrassrootSoccer AIDS awareness/ education group

As soon as Ethan Zohn’s cancer scans came back clean in May, he started rebuilding his body for the New York City Marathon.

Zohn, a former pro-soccer player who rose to fame after winning CBS’ reality show “Survivor” in 2002, was diagnosed with a rare form of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in April 2009.

The doctors at Manhattan’s Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center healed him and Zohn can’t wait to breeze past the hospital cancer-free on the First Avenue stretch of the New York marathon course.

“I don’t know whether I should flick it off or give it a big hug. Like, ‘Hey I hate you cancer, but I love you [Sloan] for saving my life,’ It’s a double-edged sword,” he said.

Zohn and his 49 teammates from GrassrootSoccer hope to raise $200,000 for AIDS education in Africa with their marathon run. Zohn co-founded the organization after winning “Survivor: Africa.”

The nonprofit group teaches professional soccer players in Africa how to educate children about HIV/AIDS through a soccer skills program.

The reality star turned charity fundraiser got into distance running as a memorial to his father – a marathoner who ran the Boston and New York races – who died of colon cancer when Zohn was 14.

Visualizing the New York finish line is what helped Zohn push through a tough stem cell transplant last year.

“It kept me going. I was like, ‘This sucks, but I’m going to get through it. And once I get through it I’m going to run the marathon.’”

The career athlete said approaching the race at a slower pace will be tough for the competitor in him. A torn ACL in 2008 and the months of cancer treatments weakened his body, and though he’d like to run a sub-four hour marathon, that likely won’t happen this year.

Zohn knows the last miles of the race will be tough, but he also knows he’ll get it done.

“I realize every step I’m taking and the pounding on the pavement is not just for me,” he said. “It’s for all the people who have been through cancer and all the kids in Africa who are dying of AIDS. I’m not just running for myself.”