Key for a Cure Foundation Joins With The Fourth Annual Chasing Dreams and Finding Cures Barrel Racing Fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Hospital to Help Find Cure for Pediatric Cancer

Sponsorships are available for this event, which will be held at the Rava Equestrian Center at the Salinas Valley Fair, at 625 Division St., in King City.

Carmel, CA, September 14, 2020 — Monterey County-based Key for a Cure Foundation is joining with Chasing Dreams and Finding Cures, a barrel racing fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, on Nov. 7-8, 2020, to help find a cure for childhood cancers.

Sponsorships are available for this event, which will be held at the Rava Equestrian Center at the Salinas Valley Fair, at 625 Division St., in King City.

For more information or to become a sponsor, call (831) 524-0324 or email jewelofthecounty@icloud.com, or go to https://www.facebook.com/Chasing-Dreams-Finding-Cures-A-St-Jude-Fundraiser-233953423808184/.

Each year about 13,500 children are diagnosed with cancer in the United States, but less than 4% of the National Cancer Institute's budget is dedicated to childhood cancer research,

The primary focus of the Monterey County-based Key for a Cure Foundation, which was founded in 2015, is to advocate and raise funds for pediatric cancer research initiatives that lead to less toxic forms of cancer treatment and a cure for cancer.

Pediatric cancer research can save lives and innovative treatments can significantly improve the quality of life for survivors.

About Key For A Cure Foundation
Key for a Cure Foundation was formed in 2015 to support pediatric cancer research. The mission of the foundation is to raise funds to directly support innovative pediatric cancer research that will lead to more effective treatments for children with cancer.

Key for a Cure Foundation is committed to fighting pediatric cancer. The foundation is currently working to raise funds for T cell based Immunotherapy research being conducted at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The foundation raised $250,000.00 in the first year after the non-profit was established and donated the funds to this innovative research protocol.

Key for a Cure is a operated by volunteers. Our board is dedicated to making a significant difference with a commitment that all funds raised by Key for a Cure go directly into supporting our mission.

Key for a Cure also has a low operating expense of 4%, we do not spend donated money on flights, hotel stays, bonuses, and dinners for board members. This enable us to qualify for grants that are specific to non-profits with low operating expenses.

The Key for a Cure board requires 100% financial participation and every board member purchases tickets to our events because we too are financially invested in finding a cure for cancer.

Key For A Cure Foundation
Raising Funds for Pediatric Cancer Research to Save Lives
820 Park Row #588
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 206-1357
info@keyforacure.org

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.keyforacure.org

The Clement Palo Alto Accepted into Membership of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Joins the Brand’s L.V.X. Collection

The Clement Palo Alto has been accepted into membership of Preferred Hotels & Resorts — the world’s largest independent hotel brand that represents more than 750 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 85 countries — as the newest experience available within the Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X. Collection.

Palo Alto, CA, September 09, 2020 — The Clement Palo Alto has been accepted into membership of Preferred Hotels & Resorts — the world’s largest independent hotel brand that represents more than 750 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 85 countries — as the newest experience available within the Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X. Collection.

The Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X. Collection represents renowned properties that feature the finest accommodations coupled with attentive, engaging, and exclusive personal service.

These worldly and illustrious hotels, located in vibrant city centers or destination escapes, provide guests with notable inspirations and memorable experiences through exceptional dining, entertainment, and spas.

The Clement Palo Alto, at 711 El Camino Real, offers a unique, one-of-a-kind 6-star experience in the heart of Silicon Valley in a warm, inviting and luxurious residential environment. The Clement Palo Alto takes its impeccable service to another level with an all-inclusive concept, including personalized concierge services, breakfast, lunch and dinner in an on-premise location of the guest's choice. 
 All wine, beer and cocktails, in-room mini-refrigerator (stocked with the guest's favorites), and fully-stocked Guest Pantry available around the clock, are just a few of the amenities included in this all-inclusive experience.

All guests of The Clement Palo Alto are now eligible to enroll in the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program, which extends points redeemable for cash-value Reward Certificates, elite status, and special benefits such as complimentary Internet to members upon every stay at more than 700 participating Preferred Hotels & Resorts locations worldwide.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts brings strategic advantage to hotel owners, operators, and management companies through brand prestige and global operating scale, supporting the goals of its member hotels by providing strategic group, corporate, and leisure sales, integrated marketing solutions, comprehensive revenue management, global connectivity through reservations services, progressive distribution technology, and individualized guest support.

Every property within the portfolio is required to maintain the high quality standards and unparalleled service levels required by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program. Through its five global collections — Legend, L.V.X., Lifestyle, Connect, and Preferred Residences — Preferred Hotels & Resorts connects discerning travelers to the singular luxury hospitality experience that meets their needs and life and style preferences for each occasion.

For reservations and more information about Preferred Hotels & Resorts, visit www.PreferredHotels.com.

Hotel Media Contact:
Hotel Contact Name: Marci Bracco Cain
Hotel Name: The Clement Palo Alto
Phone Number: (650) 322-7111
Email Address: marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com

Preferred Hotels & Resorts Media Contact:
Hannah Nelson Smith
Senior Manager, Public Relations – Americas
Tel: (929) 841 5240
hnelson@preferredhotels.com

About Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Preferred Hotels & Resorts℠ is the world’s largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 750 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 85 countries. Through its five global collections, Preferred Hotels & Resorts connects discerning travelers to the singular luxury hospitality experience that meets their life and style preferences for each occasion. Every property within the portfolio maintains the high quality standards and unparalleled service levels required by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program. The I Prefer™ Hotel Rewards program, Preferred Residences℠, Preferred Family℠, Preferred Pride℠, and Preferred Golf™ offer valuable benefits for travelers seeking a unique experience. For more information, visit PreferredHotels.com.

About I Prefer Hotel Rewards
Launched in August 2013, the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program from Preferred Hotels & Resorts extends points redeemable for cash-value Reward Certificates, Elite status, and other complimentary benefits to members upon eligible stays at more than 700 participating hotels and resorts worldwide. In addition to receiving 10 points for every dollar spent on net room reservations booked through eligible channels, members receive additional benefits based on their tier status, which is determined by points earned during a 12-month period. I Prefer also offers a free mobile app, available on Apple and Android devices, which allows members to search and book hotel stays, easily redeem Reward Certificates, and connect directly with their host hotel during a stay. Currently, more than 3 million travelers have signed up for I Prefer membership.

About The Clement Palo Alto 
While unparalleled service is key to any great luxury hotel, The Clement Palo Alto takes its impeccable service to another level with an all-inclusive concept, including personalized concierge services, breakfast, lunch and dinner in an on-premise location of the guest's choice. 
 
All wine, beer and cocktails, in-room mini-refrigerator (stocked with the guest's favorites), and fully-stocked Guest Pantry available around the clock, are just a few of the amenities included in this all-inclusive experience. 
 
In fact, The Clement Palo Alto is more than all-inclusive, it is all-exclusive, catering exclusively to the guest's personal tastes and desires. 
 
The Clement Palo Alto is ideally located across from Stanford University and next to downtown Palo Alto, with its award-winning restaurants, world-class shopping and upscale spas. It is just 45 minutes south of San Francisco and only 30 minutes north of San Jose, not only making it convenient, but easily accessible to the world-famous sights and myriad activities of both cities. 
 
Overall, The Clement Palo Alto offers a unique, one-of-a-kind 6-star experience in the heart of Silicon Valley with unparalleled personal service, all-inclusive luxury and privacy in a warm, inviting and luxurious residential environment.

The Clement Palo Alto Hotel
711 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, California 94301
(650) 322-7111
www.theclementpaloalto.com

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.theclementpaloalto.com

Balance Physical Therapy to hold Facebook Live Event on Sept. 24 called ‘Integrated Yoga’

With a 5,000-year history in ancient Indian philosophy, yoga helps strengthen both mind and body.

Salinas, CA, September 09, 2020 - Integrating the practice of yoga into the more modern techniques of physical therapy can improve the body’s mobility and range of motion, which can lead to better flexibility, strength and balance while reducing pain and promoting healing.

Passionate about movement science, Dr. Byanca Madrigal of Balance Physical Therapy & Performance Center incorporates yoga into her patients’ recovery process.

To reveal how the two disciplines can be successfully integrated, Dr. Madrigal will host a Facebook Live event called “Therapeutic Yoga” on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 5 p.m. The one-hour event will include a yoga flow, along with education on breathing techniques.

Dr. Madrigal is a licensed physical therapist and certified yoga teacher who specializes in pelvic health. She has a passion for implementing yoga techniques and teachings into her physical therapy practice with her patients every day. Through yoga, coupled with her years of training and experience in anatomy and body mechanics, Dr. Byanca is able to help patients of all types improve their body’s mobility and range of motion, which can lead to better flexibility, strength and balance while reducing pain and promoting healing.

A doctor of physical therapy, Madrigal earned her graduate degree at Loma Linda University. A former volunteer for an Imperial Valley physical therapist while attending high school, Madrigal credits that early experience with discovering her passion.

Her favorite thing about the profession is having “the opportunity to educate a patient on how to take care of their bodies,” she said. “This allows me to help not only treat and change how a person functions, but to create lasting change that impacts my patients’ lives.”

Anyone interested in the class should follow Balance Physical Therapy on Facebook at www.facebook.com/balanceptmove. Have a computer or smartphone ready, and roll out a yoga mat!

Balance Physical Therapy and Human Performance Center is at 2260 N. Fremont St., Monterey. For more information, call (831) 372-4782 or visit www.balancept.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.balancept.com

Gil Basketball Academy’s launches podcast series ‘Ganas — Leading from the Heart’ on Sept. 14 Podcast Available on Apple

Turning a family garage into a state-of-the-art recording studio, Gil Basketball Academy has officially launched its podcast series called “Ganas — Leading from the Heart.”

Salinas, CA, September 08, 2020 - Turning a family garage into a state-of-the-art recording studio, Gil Basketball Academy has officially launched its podcast series called “Ganas — Leading from the Heart.”

Designed to inspire today’s youth through unique views and perspectives on life, “Ganas” (which translates to “desire”), will feature guests ranging from CEOs to spiritual leaders and pro athletes. It officially begins on Sept. 14 with the academy’s matriarch and co-founder Eva Silva as the first guest.

Silva and her husband Jose Gil formed the academy in 2009 to promote the sport of basketball in East Salinas through camps, clinics, individual sessions and elite travel teams. But more than that, GBA was designed to build confidence and character in a membership that exceeds 450 local kids ages 4 to 17.

The idea for a podcast grew from Gil’s growing frustration in not being able to completely connect with his kids during the pandemic.

“You have to think outside the box,” said the longtime coach and athletic director at Alisal High School. “I was used to having hundreds of kids together at one time, and now I have to figure out new ways to have an impact.”

While the couple have little experience in media (and none in podcasting), they invested in the technology needed to turn the family garage into a functioning studio.

“Ganas” podcasts (including video with guests appearing via Zoom) span 30 to 45 minutes, and include topics such as sports, health, fitness, leadership, community and more.

Silva will kick off the “Ganas” series by talking about her own inspirational life. Episode 1 is titled ‘Complete the circle’ by empowering young people.

Born in Mexico as the sixth of seven children to migrant worker parents, Silva moved to Salinas at age 7. She graduated from Alisal High School in 1990, later earning a degree in education from Stanford University as a first-generation college graduate. Silva married Gil in 1999, and the couple have three grown children. Silva also works as a college coordinator and mentor for migrant students at CSU-Monterey Bay.

September Podcast Schedule

Ganas: Leading from the Heart

Listen here https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ganas-leading-from-the-heart/id1529748465

Episode 1 (Sept. 14, 2020): ‘Completing the circle’ by empowering young people

Guest: Eva Silva, college coordinator/Gil Basketball Academy co-founder

Born in Mexico as the sixth of seven children to migrant worker parents, Eva Silva moved to Salinas, Calif., at age 7. She graduated from Alisal High School in 1990, later earning a degree in Human Biology and a a Master’s in Education from Stanford University as a first-generation college graduate. Silva married Jose Gil in 1999, and the couple have three grown children. In 2010 the couple co-founded Gil Basketball Academy to help empower youth by developing their athletic skills, leadership, work ethic, world view, and enhancing their commitment to the community. Silva also works as a college coordinator and mentor for undergraduate students at CSU-Monterey Bay.

Episode 2 (Sept. 14, 2020): Giving today’s youth opportunities to thrive

Guest: Jerome Williams, former NBA player

Drafted in the first round of the NBA draft in 1996 by the Detroit Pistons, Jerome Williams had a nine-year career with four teams, retiring in 2005 as a member of the Toronto Raptors. Nicknamed The Junkyard Dog by teammates impressed with his work ethic, Williams earned a scholarship to Georgetown University his junior year after not being drafted out of high school. Today, Williams turns that positiveness and energy into helping inspire today’s youth through the game of basketball. He is a global ambassador through the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program, and is president of The Young3, which holds 3-on-3 tournaments for young people ages 9–14.

Episode 3 (Sept. 28, 2020): Resistance and faith: Leading in a time of turmoil

Guest: Pastor Artis L. Smith, New Hope Baptist Church

The Rev. Artis Smith joined New Hope Baptist Church in 1999 as Associate Minister, installed as pastor in 2005. He has spent 15 years in that role at the East Salinas church dedicated to servanthood and discipleship. Rev. Smith has helped lead a regional effort toward social justice. During the pandemic, he worked hard to keep the doors open for in-person services, honoring the church’s “always open” designation. He acknowledges that much has been done, but there is a greater work still to do, and by the grace of God, the church will continue to grow and prosper.

Listen here : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ganas-leading-from-the-heart/id1529748465

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://gilbasketballacademy.com/

YMCA of the Central Coast Outside-of-School Program, Excel Beyond the Bell, Now at 46 Sites Across Central Coast

YMCA of the Central Coast’s curriculum-based outside-of-school Excel Beyond the Bell program now has 46 sites offering the program throughout the Central Coast.

Salinas, CA, September 03, 2020 — YMCA of the Central Coast’s curriculum-based outside-of-school Excel Beyond the Bell program now has 46 sites offering the program throughout the Central Coast. In the Excel Beyond the Bell program outside-of-school program, youth will do distance learning as part of this four-part curriculum that includes Character Development Learning Institute, Youth Fit 4 Life, Enrichment Activities, and Homework Time.

In addition to all five branches of Central Coast YMCA (Salinas, Watsonville, San Benito, South County and Monterey), YMCA is working with the following schools and school districts: Salinas Elementary School District, Spreckles Unified School District, Salinas Union High School, Santa Rita School District, Carmel Unified School District, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, Monterey Bay Charter Schools, Hollister School District, Hollister Pre Navigator School, North County Joint Union School District, Watsonville prep school, and Aromas schools. Excel Beyond the Bell has added a new location, Monterey Bay Charter School in Pacific Grove, which will start on Sept. 14. More sites may be added as needed.

The Central Coast Y is offering Live Group Exercise classes and home workouts with demo on-line. Youth programming (Arts & Crafts, Story Time and STEAM projects) will be added to the schedule starting Monday, Aug. 17. YMCA also has access to Y360 library of workout videos, all of which are accessible through its website at www.centralcoastymca.org.

In addition, the Salinas YMCA pool is open for lap swim, swim lessons and water aerobics and exercise classes.

For more information call (831) 758-3811 or visit www.centralcoastymca.org.

About the Central Coast YMCA
Formed in 1989, the Central Coast YMCA began with the merger of two independent YMCAs; the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). Originally a USO built in 1941, with the purpose of supporting American troops during World War II, the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula joined the association in 1990. In 1998 the South County YMCA became the fourth branch in the association, extending its service area to the residents of south Monterey County. The YMCA of San Benito County became the fifth and most recent addition to the association in 1999.

CCYMCA is an independent, private, nonprofit corporation, a part of the YMCA of the USA, but responsible for its own policies, programs, and budgets. It employs 27 full-time employees, about 225 part-time employees, and 120 volunteers who impact approximately 40,000 people in Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.

CCYMCA is located at 500 Lincoln Ave. in Salinas.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.centralcoastymca.org

Meet Gidget, a Cherished Emotional support animal who earned a Gift of Mobility from Max’s Helping Paws

When the healing power of animals meets the kindness of the human spirit, magic can happen.

Carmel, CA, September 01, 2020 - Just ask Melinda Moxley, a CSU-Monterey Bay student and tutor who discovered the perfect therapy for her debilitating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder — a rescue dog named Gidget.

https://www.maxshelpingpaws.org/success-stories/2020/gidget-genetic-condition-repaired

Melinda found the 8-year old Chihuahua mix wandering the streets of South Central Los Angeles and gave her a safe home in Monterey.

This past May, Gidget grew ill, unable to stand or walk on all four legs. Melinda brought her into Pet Specialists of Monterey and they said she suffered from bilateral patellar luxation, a structural issue she most likely had since birth.

Dr. Michael Dearmin recommended a procedure called Bilateral Lateral Fabellar, which could give Gidget the ability to stand, walk and function normally.

A full-time student who suffers from a disability herself, Melinda was unable to afford such a surgery. So she turned to Max’s Helping Paws Foundation, a local nonprofit that helps families fund treatment for pets in crisis.

Melinda’s initial letter brought tears to the eyes of Max’s co-founder Dyanna Klein. It read, in part: “Gidget is the one I talk to, I laugh with, study next to on the floor, and my ‘co-pilot’ in life. Please help us.”

Klein, who founded the nonprofit in 2016 following the death of her 14-year-old Miniature Pinscher named Max, agreed to help fund the surgery.

“Melinda is a phenomenal pet mom, and we were thrilled to be able to help make the surgery happen for Gidget,” she said.

The procedure went off without a hitch and, according to Melinda, “Gidget is smiling again!”

“She is doing awesome,” said Melinda, who calls Gidget her emotional support animal. “We take daily walks to smell the flowers and she can actually push off of both back legs now to go up and down the curb. This was not possible before her surgery nor was she able to put weight on all four paws.”

Melinda found the time to express her gratitude to Klein and her foundation.

“We are truly grateful,” she said. “Every single day that we go out for our walks, we know it is possible because of you and your help.”

About Max's Helping Paws Foundation
Max's Helping Paws Foundation (MHPF) was co-founded in 2016 by Dyana Klein and her husband and veterinary internist, Dr. Jonathan Fradkin, in memory of their pet, Maximillian.

The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports all Monterey County veterinary practices to provide financial assistance to clients with pets in need of both critical short-term or longer-term care for chronic illness. Since it first started providing financial assistance in mid-2017, MHPF has approved $275,000 in financial assistance, and has helped hundreds of pet families give their pets a second chance. MHFP is based in Monterey County and serves only Monterey County.

Max’s Helping Paws Foundation
(831) 704-6473
info@maxshelpingpaws.org
26388 Carmel Rancho Lane, Suite D
Carmel CA 93923

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.maxshelpingpaws.org