SM BEACH — Actor Josh Duhamel, who has a long history of supporting the Santa Monica chapter of the American Red Cross, is hosting a short run for youth this Saturday to raise funds for those affected by the magnitude 7.0 earthquake the devastated Haiti.
Duhamel, who starred in “Transformers” and the television show “Las Vegas,” is asking children of all ages to participate in the “Youth Run for Haitian Earthquake Relief” fundraiser, which will take place Saturday morning at 9 a.m., rain or shine.
“There will be no prizes, no winner or losers — just the sheer joy of running and knowing that you’re also helping vital Red Cross earthquake relief efforts in Haiti,” Duhamel, 37, said.
Those who register for the run are encouraged to donate $10, which will go entirely to relief efforts in Haiti, organizers said. The run will begin at 10 a.m. Participants will run on the beach north to the Santa Monica Pier, where they will turn around and head back to the starting point at the 2600 Barnard Way beach lot. The run will cover roughly 2 miles.
“We are gratified that our friend and long-time Red Cross supporter Josh Duhamel has taken this event on to help raise money for the relief efforts in Haiti,” said Santa Monica chapter Executive Director John Pacheco.
Duhamel, who is married to actress and singer Stacy Ferguson, also known as Fergie, will be promoting the run on the Jay Leno Show and the KTLA Morning Show on Friday. Ryan Seacrest of “American Idol” fame will also be reporting on the run on his nationally syndicated radio show heard locally on 102.7 KIIS-FM.
Duhamel, who is committed to fighting childhood obesity, said some of his celebrity friends will also be on hand to help with the run.
Information about Red Cross Haitian relief efforts can be found on the chapter’s Web site, www.redcrossofsantamonica.org and on Duhamel’s Web site, kidsrunnin4haiti.ning.com.
