The Leukemia Society

The Leukemia Society's mission is to help find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. More information is available at www.lls.org Money from previous Blast events has gone directly to the Hero Program of the Southern Ohio's Team in Training division of the Leukemia Society. In past years, proceeds have been used to sponsor Reds outings for Hero Families directly affected by the disease. These local Heroes attended a special Reds game where they ran the bases, met the players and had their pictures taken on the field. Funds have also been used to sponsor finish line massages for Team in Training fundraisers participating in the Flying Pig Marathon and other projects.

The Wellness Community

The mission of The Wellness Community is to help people with cancer, and their loved ones, enhance their health and well being by providing a professional program of emotional support, education and hope. More information is available at www.cancer-support.org Funds raised by the Hyde Park Blast support The Wellness Community's Physical Health and Wellness Education programs, including Fitness for Life, Tai Chi and Yoga. These events, sponsored in part by the Blast, support those in need.

CancerFree Kids

CancerFree Kids is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer research. In this country, more children die from cancer than any other disease. Learn more about CancerFree Kids by visiting their website at www.cancerfreekids.org. CancerFree Kids is a benificiary of the Blast kids events.

Give Back Cincinnati

Give Back Cincinnati is a nonprofit organization focused on enhancing Cincinnati's communities through activities of volunteerism, while fostering the development of young leadership through participation. Learn more about GBC at www.givebackcincinnati.org.

Other Local Community Initiatives

In the past, the Hyde Park Blast has also supported community-based initiatives or fitness-based groups, as well as partnering with other nonprofit foundations or organizations for different initiatives. The Hyde Park Center for Older Adults and Cincy Express (a local multi-sport team) are two past examples. In 2005 the Blast began a partnership/art contest with Artworks, a local nonprofit art organization called Red, White and Shoe. The RWS event involves the local art community and various local design agencies. The goals are to help support their kids' apprentice art program and provide custom art awards for each age group and overall winners. The initial year received support from Nike, as well as national press, and the Blast looks forward to funding other unique projects through this initiative.