Young Professionals Head to Spin Class to Support Afterschool Program

Ready to sweat in spin class and do some good for the kids? One hundred young Los Angeles professionals are heading to Sports Club/LA today to participate in the second annual indoor cycling fundraiser for the nation's oldest after-school enrichment program, LA's BEST. The cyclists hope to raise $50,000, money that will help provide safe, supervised after-school education to low-income students across Los Angeles.

The program serves 28,000 kids at 180 elementary school sites across Los Angeles, working specifically in "neighborhoods most vulnerable to gangs, drugs, crime and at schools with the lowest student test scores." Stefanie Schwartz, Nickelodeon's vice president of marketing and production, said participating in the fundraiser is important to her because for so many low-income students LA's BEST "is their only exposure to amazing enrichment activities." David Freedman, the vice-chair of the BEST friends board echoes Schwartz sentiments, adding that his fund raising efforts allowed him to get his friends and coworkers involved in the program. "I think they’re great for showing up for the kids with their financial support," he said.

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Cassandra Krause, the development and strategic relationships director at LA's BEST says the $50,000 the cyclists raise will help send 40 students through an entire year of the program, provide 16 school sites with health-centered, culturally relevant nutrition and fitness education, or fund 20 artist residencies of innovative visual and performing arts experiences to 400 students.

It's nice to see the greater community coming out and supporting after-school education. Let's hope the idea of a spin class for the kids spreads to gyms across the nation.

photo by Ben Gibbs via LA's BEST