Mychal’s Learning Place, a non-profit organization dedicated to provide a safe and loving environment that encourages independence and builds self-esteem among children and adults with developmental disabilities, successfully hosted its first-ever California Great Santa Stroll with record participation of more than 750 children, adults and furry friends dressed up as “Santas” at the Hermosa Beach Pier on December 14.
Part of a world competition for the most “Santas” gathered in one location, the event was officiated by the big man himself, Jolly Old Saint Nick, who flew from the North Pole and joined local city officials, including Mayor Mary Campbell, city of Hermosa Beach and Mayor Alex Vargas, city of Hawthorne, as well as Mychal’s Learning Place students, event sponsors, volunteers and keen spectators.
“It is an honor to see how our Great Santa Stroll brought the South Bay community together. This fundraising effort is another wonderful opportunity for us to bolster training, student activities and expansion, and my words cannot truly express how thankful we are for the tremendous support we received in this holiday fundraising bonanza,” said Ed Lynch, Founder and Executive Director of Mychal’s Learning Place. “Through a variety of initiatives that have directly funded the success of our afterschool and adult programs, we’ve helped build self-esteem and independence to create long-term success. We look forward to many more future opportunities to continue raising funds for our community programs!”
Edward was inspired by his daughter, Mychal, who was developmentally and physically disabled, to open the organization. Although doctors gave her only two years to live, Mychal proceeded to live five and a half more years until her death in 1996. During that time, Mychal never lost her sense of humor or the love in her heart. Edward has since dedicated his life to creating programs that enable youth with developmental disabilities to live independent, fulfilled and productive lives.
Committed to the advancement and strengthening of the communities it serves, Kinecta Federal Credit Union participated as an event sponsor to help Mychal’s Learning Place reach its attendance goal. The event also featured a variety of other holiday activities, including Kinecta Federal Credit Union's ice cream truck, a Santa's village and kids' zone areas with various craft stations, merchant and food vendors, and more.
