Company's 401(k) Plan.
01 June 2010
Breathe California of Sacramento–Emigrant Trails was established in 1917 as the Sacramento Society for the Prevention and Cure of Tuberculosis. The organization’s mission at the time was to fight for clean air, healthy lungs and the elimination of lung disease in the Sacramento Region. Between 1917 and the mid-1960s, the agency performed community awareness and education programs, set up a free tuberculosis clinic and organized a well-baby clinic. In the 1960s and early 1970s, the organization underwent several name and focus changes due to the dramatic reduction in TB incidences. Subsequently, around this same time, startling announcements from the U.S. Surgeon General regarding tobacco use leading to lung cancer, among other major chronic lung illnesses, and an increasing awareness of environmental issues related to health issues, led to the organization’s refocus and final name change to today’s Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails.
Today, the organization offers a multitude of adult and youth community awareness programs related to asthma, tobacco use, and air pollution. Programs include Thumbs Up! Thumbs Down! (TUTD) developed to reduce the negative influence that tobacco use in the movies has upon young people, Youth Advisory Board developed to enhance Breathe California projects by including the youth voice, and A.I.R. - Ask. Investigate. Resolve, a research, education and advocacy project designed to allow students to conduct scientific research projects while learning about air quality issues. Sacramento Taking Action Against Nicotine Dependence (STAND) also works to educate, empower, and organize 18-29 year olds and college students to get involved in their communities by helping to implement smoke-free policies.
Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails is able to significantly impact the local community through its 12 staff members and thousands of volunteers. With a $1.5 million annual budget, the organization is supported through a combination of individual donations, private foundation grants, program contracts and fundraising events. A mere 7 cents of every dollar is allocated to administrative costs while the remaining 93 cents is reinvested back into the Sacramento community.
For over 8 years, Smart Investor has supported Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails through the individual fundraising events. Allan Henriques, President and Chief Executive Officer of Smart Investor, has even been known to dress up as Santa Claus to support the organization.
Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails’ next fundraiser will be the Emigrant Trails Bike Trek (ETBT) taking place in September. This is the organization’s largest fundraiser which consists of over 500 riders and volunteers enjoying three days of cycling and two nights of camping to raise money to support the local programs. This year’s ETBT event will be held September 10-12, 2010 in Petaluma. Visit www.sacbreathe.org/trekregister.htm for more information or to register.
Anyone interested in getting involved with Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails is encouraged to visit their website www.sacbreathe.org to learn more about the programs and volunteer opportunities available or contact Kori Titus at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .