By Elizabetta Orsi 

On March 29, GHC’s Bee the Hope hosted Race2RebuildLA, a 5K race and walk fundraiser at Woodley Park, raising more than $10,000 in support of public elementary schools affected by the Eaton Fire in Altadena. 

The event was organized by Bee the Hope, and featured two races, one at 8:00 a.m. and another at 9:00 a.m. The event also included food vendors, pop-up shops, games, and live music. Participants received commemorative shirts and were entered into a giveaway for a $15 gift card to RoadRunner Sports. 

“We wanted to create an event through the lens of community building,” junior and Club President Neil Rayamahji said. “ We wanted this to be an event where participants could come out with their friends and make a positive impact.” 

A total of 150 people participated in the races. All profits from the event were donated directly to underfunded schools impacted by the Eaton fires, with 100% of the funds going towards the cause. 

“This felt like the biggest thing we could do as of now to support our community and local area,” Rayamajhi said. “It was very awe-inspiring to see 150 people come together and run for a cause they believe in.” 

The club itself, which consists of Rayamajhi and several close friends, independently managed all aspects of the event. Planning included budgeting, outreach to sponsors, coordinating logistics, and promoting the race through social media platforms. 

In recognition of their efforts, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass presented Bee the Hope with an official certificate, commending the students for their initiative and contribution to the community. 

“There’s nothing special about us,” Rayamahji said. “We’re all just friends who want to make an impact. We don’t do this work to be recognized, we do it to help people.” 

The success of Race2RebuildLA demonstrates the growing role of student leadership in local philanthropy. Bee the Hope’s initiative not only delivered critical support to fire-affected schools, but also demonstrated how young people can organize, mobilize, and lead efforts that benefit their entire community.