Giving Tree
The Britton Fund was established in 2006 in honor of John Britton, a much-loved and admired arborist. The Britton Fund strives to ensure a healthy and sustainable environment through research and education in the field of arboriculture. Nelda, Jim and Carol participate on the Board of Trustees and Advisory Committee. Jim, John, and Nelda's daughter Phoebe have participated in the Britton FUNd Ride, an annual day-long cycling event that is one of the organizations's main fund-raisers.
In 2002 Nelda was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and has become an active supporter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). LLS strives to eradicate blood cancers through research. It also provides patient and family support to those who suffer from this disease. Team in Training is an LLS fund-raising program that facilitates endurance athletic events. In the past five years, both Jim and Nelda have participated in a number of Team in Training walking, hiking, cycling, and triathalon events.
Groundwork Opportunities (GO) is a nonprofit organization which implements micro-development projects in underdeveloped nations. The projects, centered around sustainability and community impact, include building freshwater wells, providing post-genocide reconciliation strategies, and developing sustainable farms. Ryan, Nelda's son, worked with GO in Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda on agriculture, education, and human rights projects.
Jane has chosen to support her goddaughter Megan's "The Daily Run" through The Ability Foundation, an organization which provides wheelchairs and other support to disabled peoples. Megan is an artist studying graphic arts at University in Utah and was born with cerebral palsy. She was inspired to see disabled people participating in marathons and running with their family on their racing wheelchairs and designed The Daily Run to raise funds for her own running-chair. Her goal for a new chair would allow her to do what so many take for granted-- walk and run.
Carol and Gini, Michael's wife, are passionate about horses. We've continued to support the National Wild Horse Assocation, a nonprofit whose mission is to ensure the wellfare and survival of wild horses and burros in an ecologically balanced environment.
In Alameda, in a small warehouse on an old naval base, Cycles of Change teaches youth how to repair, safely ride, and build bicycles. The goal is to improve the health and sustainability of our neighborhoods by increasing the use of bicycles as transportation. By taking part in the Cycles' programs, youth earn their own bicycles, learn valuable occupational skills, and help improve the community through promoting cycling. As a cyclist and Berkeley resident, John avidly supports Cycles of Change and their mission for a healthier, more cycling-friendly Bay Area.
The Tree Research and Educational Endowment Fund (The TREE Fund) provides research grants, scholarships, and educational programs to advance knowledge in the field of arboriculture and urban forestry. In 1991, Jim started Tour de Trees with a few comrades who rode their bikes from Seattle to Oakland, 100 miles per day, to raise money for tree research. John has been a participant on two of the subsequent 500+ mile rides.
Ruth participated in the 7k 2009 Bridge to Bridge Run benefiting the Special Olympics and intends to participate in the next event in October of 2010. The Glide Floss Bridge to Bridge Run is a 7k through San Francisco and proceeds go to help the Special Olympics Northern California give athletic opportunities to people with disabilities. To support Ruth, email her here.