Palisades Cares is a 501 (c) 3, California non-profit, public benefit corporation, formed in 2006, dedicated to encourage volunteer action in the community by residents and friends of Pacific Palisades. Palisades Cares started in 2004 as a group of Palisades residents who wanted to help others by collecting toys and food for the needy. The first Palisades Volunteer Week, in 2005, was inspired by Big Sunday. We have since expanded to sponsoring several volunteer opportunities annually and referring residents to other opportunities as well.
Our activities include Palisades Reads, Palisades Eco Forums, activities for the National Day of Service, a school supplies drive for School on Wheels, participation in Heal the Bay's annual Day without a Bag, Westside Food Bank food drive, Holiday Toy Drive, beach cleanups and others. Volunteer with us today and make a difference. Pay it forward!!
We work with residents and organizations within Pacific Palisades and Los Angeles to help create a more sustainable town and city and to further a community spirit.
Marie Steckmest, founder of Palisades Cares, is a long-time community volunteer, and was honored by the Palisadian Post as the 2008 Citizen of the Year for Greening the Palisades. Steckmest believes that everyone can make a difference.
Palisades Cares Officers
Marie Steckmest, President and Founder
Larry Steckmest, Treasurer
Suzanne Baraff, Secretary
Palisades Cares Advisory Board
Sid Greenwald, co-owner Sustainable Design Source, board member of Coalition for Clean Air
Peter Kreitler, co-host Earthtalk, Minister for the Environment, Episcopalian Diocese of Los Angeles
Carol Pfannkuche, Executive Director, Palisades-Malibu YMCA
Arnie Wishnick, Executive Director, Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce
Thanks to participants in our programs who have volunteered their time or facility:
2010-2011 Anna Cummins, Evan Funke, Amelia Saltsman, Nancy Cipes, Christy Wilhelmi, Jimmy Williams, Susan Heeger, Kathleen Jackson, Lisa Foster, Lisa Boyle, Stephanie Blanc, Dr. Mary Hardy, Dr. Susan Love, Kehillat Israel, Riviera Country Club.
