LANCASTER, CA – The Second Annual “Color Me Rad” 5k was an exciting day of family fun with more than 4000 participants. The starting sirens blared in front of the Pioneer Event Center at each starting time as thousands took to the streets of Lancaster donning “RAD tutus, colorful wigs, and the essential white tee shirts.
The participants ran and laughed as they passed several junctures where volunteers bombarded them with cloudbursts of color as the white tees began to take on the appearance of tie-dyed. The party continued after the race concluded as the hosts passed out small packets filled with color and the attendees began another barrage of color clouds.
Jeff M. stated, “This is the most fun I have ever had running three miles. I’m really happy I came and I’ll see you next year.”
Color Me Rad and the Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation (MASJF) were supported by committed community and volunteers; without whom this event would not have been a success.
The Color Me Rad Corporation donates a portion of the run’s proceeds to the MASJF. The company has not provided MASJF with this year’s tally, but hopes are the number will meet last year’s donation of $30k.
Annually, everyone that volunteers for this event receives a thank you packet of goodies or free entry to run the Color Me Rad 5k.
The next community event sponsored by the Foundation is The Johnson’s Smooth Jazz Festival 2015. This event will be part of a music festival series and is a celebration for Mother’s Day. Live at Lancaster City Park, the day before Mother’s Day, Saturday, May 9, 2015. Events to follow include The Dirty Dash (mud run) in October (TBD) 2015.
The altruistic efforts of the Johnsons began humbly in 2007, when Marco, Sandra and their children distributed flyers throughout the community offering dinner to anyone in need of a hot meal; approximately 20 people took them up on the offer. The effort expanded with volunteer UAV staff and culinary arts instructors and their students preparing the meals, the event grew annually. In 2014, the dinner service, now called Caring for the Community and under the banner of the MASJF, served more than 2000 meals.
The Caring for the Community dinner service and toy give-away would not be possible without the support of the AV Sheriff’s Booster Club, AV Sheriff’s Department, Local Walmart Foundation, California Highway Patrol’s Toys for Tots, and many, many community volunteers. As well as local city leaders, the JetHawks organization and the continued support and volunteerism of UAV student council, alumni, student body, faculty and staff.
The MASJF is a young organization, incorporated in 2013, has a long-term goal of repurposing an existing property in the AV for use as a community center that offers safe family educational, recreational, and annual medical events.
For more information related to upcoming community events or volunteering, please contact us at admin@marcoandsandra.org or contact Ashley Clutter (661) 726-1911 X126.
View Color Me Rad 2015 Photo Album
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Monday, April 27, 2015
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Tickets Are Now On Sale for the Johnson's Smooth Jazz Festival 2015
TICKETS NOW ON SALE!
Gates Open at 1PM, Show Starts at 5PM.
MORE INFORMATION
OR
BUY TICKETS NOW
There has
been much chatter around the AV that it was coming, well it’s finally here!
The Marco and
Sandra Johnson Foundation present the first annual: The Johnson’s
Smooth Jazz Festival
This
inaugural jazz festival in the park is right here in the AV and based on the
model of the Long Beach Jazz Festival. The
Johnson’s Smooth Jazz Festival series is an annual event on the Saturday before
Mother’s Day and is a tribute and celebration of mothers.
If you are
looking for the perfect place to spoil Mom, or for her Mother’s Day gift, get
tickets now to an outdoor venue with great food, a Vendor’s Village, and most
of all great music by Jazz Superstars:
- Gerald Albright
- Bobby Caldwell
- Mike Phillips
- The Jeanette Harris Band
- Nils
The festival
hosts are Lancaster’s own Sandra Johnson, John Mann, along with Pat Prescott
and Greg Mack of 94.7-The Wave!
Bring your
lawn chairs, blankets, and comfortable attire as we celebrate Moms in the AV.
Lancaster
City Park
Saturday, May
9, 2015
Ticket
pricing: Reserved Seating $75, Front Lawn Seating $55, Rear Lawn Seating $40
Vendor inquiries please contact Ashley.Clutter@uav.edu
Friday, February 27, 2015
Monday, December 22, 2014
With over 2,000 people in attendance, the UAV’s “Caring for the Community” event was a huge success!
LANCASTER, CA – The University of Antelope Valley continued to show its commitment to our community, by hosting the 8th Annual “Caring for the Community” event on Saturday December 13th, 2014 at UAV’s Sierra Hwy campus. Started by UAV founders, Marco and Sandra Johnson, Caring for the Community had humble beginnings, as the Johnson family distributed flyers throughout our community themselves, drawing approximately 20 - 30 people in attendance in its first year. This year, not only were there over 2,000 people in attendance and over 2,500 toys distributed, but the Johnsons’ continue to play an active role in the event.“This year’s Caring for the Community exceeded all of our expectations! Everybody lent a helping hand, as there were over 100 volunteers, staff members, students and athletes, that showed their community support. UAV’s Student Council distributed over 400 articles of clothing; including jackets, jeans, hats, gloves and other winter wear,” said UAV Banquet Manager Pam Mazor.
However, catering to the needs of our community is a daunting task, had it not been for the support of local leaders within our community. City leaders, members of our community and our local sheriff’s department, were all working side by side toward a common goal. Lancaster Vice Mayor, Marvin Crist, and Councilman Ken Mann, personally donated 300 brand new coats to those in need. Newly elected Congressman Steve Knight donated bags of toys for our local children, along with the Lancaster JetHawks organization, who donated toys as well.
Not only did families in need receive much needed clothing, but they were also served a holiday meal with all the trimmings. Mazor went onto say, “It was a wonderful day all around, but the most memorable thing for me was seeing the joy on the parents’ and children's faces, as they sat with Santa and received their gifts. Whether it was a doll or a bike, the way the children’s faces lit up was so inspiring, and I think we all walked away that day feeling the true holiday spirit.”
The Johnsons’, however, were not alone in their quest to serve our community, as local organizations like Walmart, Toys for Tots, the Lancaster Sheriff’s department and many others, were eager to chip in and play an integral part in this year’s success.
More Photos at: http://uav.edu/index.aspx?page=28&recordid=571&returnURL=%2findex.aspx
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
The Marco & Sandra Johnson Foundation presents its 8th Annual Free Holiday Dinner
LANCASTER, CA – The University of Antelope Valley exemplifies the spirit of giving year-round, however, this altruistic spirit is never more evident than during each holiday season.The Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation and the University of Antelope Valley annually extend a helping hand to those in need during the year-end holiday season by hosting an annual "Caring for the Community" dinner service and toy distribution.
The free holiday turkey dinner with all the trimmings is prepared by the UAV Culinary Arts School and includes hot turkey, dressing, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, several desserts, and beverages. The meal service is extended to everyone in the community. The dining venue includes two dining experiences, which include a restaurant enclosed in etched glass windows, oak furnishings, crystal chandeliers and servers eager to accommodate, or El Fresco dining in the expansive quad with an even more relaxed atmosphere surrounded by trees, umbrella tables, music and a buffet served by volunteer culinary students. Our guests decide where they would like to dine and are seated as quickly as possible.
Santa Claus presents a toy, bicycle, shoes or clothes to each child in attendance. More than 2,400 meals served in the past seven years. Volunteers include UAV students and alumni, faculty and staff, the local Los Angeles County Sheriffs Dept, community leaders, the T.I.F.F. Foundation, and neighborhood volunteers.
8th Annual Caring for the Community
Saturday, December 13, 2014
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
University of Antelope Valley
44055 Sierra Highway
Lancaster, CA 93536
“This will be my fifth year participating, and I see firsthand the lives that are touched by this event. For some this is their only meal for the day and for some children the only present they will receive. Some people may not realize that UAV Founders, Marco and Sandra Johnson, are working every event, joined by their children Devion and Tiffany. The Johnson’s arrive first each year for this event, assembling bicycles, setting up patio tables, preparing the dining room, and passing out gifts; they stay until the very end, without taking a break. I'm honored to be a part of such a great community event,” said UAV Banquet Manager Pam Mazor.
To find out more about how you can get involved with the “Caring for the Community” outreach event, by volunteering your time, or donating non-perishable foods and/or gently worn winter wear please contact Ashley Clutter at (661) 726-1911 or ashley.clutter@uav.edu.
You can make a difference, because community matters!
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
The Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation present a $10,000 check to the Antelope Valley High School Athletics & Performing Arts Departments, as part of the Johnson Foundation’s 10-year $100,000 commitment.
LANCASTER, CA - Mays Field @ Brent Newcomb Stadium has a busy schedule Friday, October 17, 2014. Antelope Valley High vs. Littlerock High at the Lopes’ homecoming football game, new members will be inducted into the AVHS Hall of Fame, the grand opening of the newly remodeled AVHS gymnasium, and school alumni Marco & Sandra Johnson will show their continued support of the Athletics & Arts Departments by donating $10,000, on behalf of the Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation.
The Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation is a charitable, nonprofit organization established to assist individuals and families in need throughout the Antelope Valley region of Southern California. The Foundation advances this mission primarily through its work to provide charitable services including but not limited to the promotion of education, scholarships, clothing and food provisions. Friday, October 17, 2014, will mark the sixth annual installment of a 10-year, $100,000 commitment that Marco & Sandra Johnson have made to their alma mater, Antelope Valley High School, to help support the Athletics & Arts departments. The check will be presented on Mays Field during half-time ceremonies.
Antelope Valley High School Principal Mrs. Jodie Radford said “AVHS Alumni, Marco and Sandra Johnson, made a selfless pledge of support personally and financially. They have been instrumental in the success of AVHS donor program and their contributions have helped instill pride in our school through the support of arts and athletics. They are tangible examples of generosity, commitment, and pride in our school and community.”
“It’s hard to put into words how much the Johnson’s support has meant to our school, community and the students. They are an inspiration and excellent role models,” said Antelope Valley High School Vice Principal Brett D’Errico.
The athletic and art programs at AVHS were instrumental in training and development for the Johnsons as they focused their attention in high school on professions in both fields. Marco saw his dream of becoming a professional football player in the NFL come true, and Sandra followed her dream and became a professional dancer. “A portion of our foundation was built at AVHS, it’s where we learned hard work and dedication to self and teams. We want each student today to have these same opportunities through athletics and performing arts,” said Marco Johnson.
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