EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – June 8, 2010 – Murad, Inc. has announced that it will serve as the exclusive skincare sponsor for the 2010 Race Across America (RAAM) and an official sponsor to RAAM Team Operation Progress. Led by retired Los Angeles police officer Kristina Ripatti, the Operation Progress team of four cyclists from Redondo Beach will cross 14 states and travel 3000 miles competing with over 200 other participants throughout the duration of the competition.
Competing in the Race Across America, a challenge that has been called “the world’s toughest endurance event,” is an accomplishment for any participant. Yet for Ripatti, who was gunned down by a robber in 2006 while on duty and was paralyzed from the chest down, the race is particularly inspirational. Ripatti will compete in the cross country race on a handcycle, using her journey to raise funds for Operation Progress, an LAPD-based program that awards scholarships to young people in heavily gang-infested neighborhoods, encouraging them to attend college and seek out better opportunities.
“We are proud to support Team Operation Progress and Kristina throughout the Race Across America. Kristina is an inspiration, not only to our company, but to the youth of Southern California who aspire for higher education and the promise of a better future,” said Howard Murad, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA and Founder of Murad, Inc. “We at Murad applaud the team’s efforts towards shedding light on Operation Progress – an organization that brings hope, encouragement and assistance to our next generation and a brighter future for all mankind.”
Besides sponsoring Team Operation Progress with vital materials for the crew during the race, gift cards to Walmart to purchase food, snacks and water, a celebratory pre-race kick-off dinner for the team and crew, hotel accommodations, team paraphernalia, and travel for the team to return home, Murad is also providing Ripatti and her teammates with skincare products to assist in sun protection, skin hydration and chafing prevention, all critical needs to defend against the elements while cycling.
The 2010 Race Across America will be the 29th edition of the Race. Racers will start in Oceanside, Calif. and finish in Annapolis, Md., completing the trip in 7-9 days.
In addition to the work with Team Operation progress, Murad has a long history of philanthropic efforts including work with Operation Gratitude, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles, International SPA Association Endowment Fund and the Vista Del Mar Childcare Center. Murad is also a large contributor for the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation and contributes to after-school enrichment programs for Los Angeles youth.
Murad, Inc. was founded in 1989 by Howard Murad. M.D., one of the world’s foremost authorities on skin health and a pioneer of the clinical skincare movement. Based on his decades of medical experience, Dr. Murad has developed and clinically proven The Science of Cellular Water, which focuses on the ability of cell membranes to hold water as the fundamental marker of skin health. Through years of clinical research, Dr. Murad has determined that a beautiful complexion is a reflection of total body wellness, which can be achieved through an Inclusive Health approach – promoting cellular health topically, internally and emotionally. Murad, Inc. continues to share this message with the world through products, services, Murad Inclusive Health Spas and the newly formed University for Inclusive Health.
Contact:
Jennifer Newton
Murad Inc.
310.726.3380
jnewton@murad.com
Sarah Lasky
Murad Inc.
310.726.3335
slasky@murad.com
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