California Police Youth Charities was selected by Actress/Model Brande Roderick to be the recipient of money raised on the hit reality show Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice. The season kicked off on March 1, 2009.

Brande, who stars on the show for the Athena Team, was named Project Manager for the episode airing March 15th. The task was to sell wedding dresses and Brande stepped up to take on the challenge, leading her women’s team to a lopsided victory over the men.

CPYC was shocked, to say the least, when we watched the episode and realized that Brande had raised $167,666.00 for our charity. The amount of money raised could not have come at a more opportune time, as the economy has really made fundraising difficult this past year. The money raised will literally save the organization from cutting programs aimed at keeping “at risk” kids occupied with productive activities run by positive role models.

The money Brande was able to raise will specifically be earmarked to fund a few of our higher profile, most effective programs.

After school tutoring labs at children’s receiving homes will be a focus of our spending. We would like to install computer labs in various receiving homes across the State of California in an effort to assist disadvantaged kids in their educational goals.

We will continue to provide college scholarships to kids in California, as well as take children to professional sporting events hosted by celebrity athletes and entertainers, like Brande. The idea being that by providing kids with fun opportunities along with a message of staying in school, staying off of drug and alcohol, and being respectful of others, will help in steering kids into making better choices in life.

And finally, we are thrilled that we will be able to continue our “Children of Hero’s” program in which we provide unique opportunities to the children of law enforcement officers in the State of California that have paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in the line of duty. Our goal is to make these kids forget about their loss, if only for a day or a weekend, while providing the ultimate respect for their fallen parent.

Brande has been a part of our organization for the past few years. She is currently our “Celebrity Spokesperson” and has been instrumental in reaching out to kids within our programs. Brande has raised money, awareness and been actively involved in many of our programs. It is not uncommon to see Brande personally hosting kids at a professional football game or other CPYC event. She has volunteered her time and energy to make our organization better and to help kids who need role models who are positive and selfless. 

Brande, we are honored to be affiliated with such a great person such as you. Your acts of kindness are appreciated more than you will ever know and the kids in California that CPYC comes in contact with will always know what a great friend you are to them.

Good luck with the rest of the season!  

Chris Eaton
Executive Director
California Police Youth Charities