The two charities for this year are Safety Harbor Kids, this great organziation cares for kids and teens who are homeless, orphaned and foster kids, and The Andy Transplant Foundation saving lives through organ donors. These two great charities we are proud to spotlight this year.

Safety Harbor Kids

Safety Harbor Kids (SHK) is a 501c3 nonprofit formed in 2007 for the purpose of enriching the lives of orphans, foster and homeless children through education in the areas of College, Career and the Arts. Our goal is to build a College, Career and the Arts Education Center as a hub for our children's education programs to give disadvantaged children a place to go to help change their lives. Founded by John Williams, a parentless child himself, SHK is approved by more than fifteen county and private group homes and shelters throughout Los Angeles to invite children to our Special Events.  SHK has helped over two thousand orphans, foster and homeless children overcome their fears, express themselves through art and music and learn they can accomplish their goals and dreams.

http://safetyharborkids.org

The Andy Transplant Foundation

The Andy Transplant Foundation was established by Susan Thompson in memory of her brother Andy who passed away from complications due to liver failure after not getting the transplant he so desperately needed. Andy was diagnosed with liver disease while in his early thirties. Soon there after he was identified as being in critical need of a transplant and was placed on the dreaded wait list. While waiting over 2 years for a donor organ, Andy’s health progressively worsened.  With time running out, and despite risk to personal well being, family members and friends came forward and expressed their willingness to become live donors. Following an extended and frustrating test period, two acceptable donor candidates were identified, both willing to undergo the required surgery in the hopes of saving Andy’s life. But sadly time had run out for Andy. While waiting for a bed to come available at the nearest hospital capable of performing the specialized operation, his health rapidly declined. Two weeks following donor acceptance, the doctors deemed Andy no longer viable for transplant surgery. He passed away on February 25, 2026 at the untimely age of 37. Andy left behind a grieving wife and four young children, a sister and parents who loved him deeply and many saddened relatives and friends. He will always be remembered as a kind, caring and intelligent person with God given potential and ability to make a difference. He is dearly missed.  Susan established the foundation in fulfillment of a commitment she made to her brother during his final hours to help others in need of organ transplants.

http://www.andytransplantfoundation.org