Who says that the only thing kids do these days is party and go to the mall. Some are actually trying to make a difference in this world. Case in point, Dieter Schmitz, the founder of Running Home 4 Teens.
You may recognize Schmitz from the ultra popular MTV “reality” show, Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County. The show where it follows a select few of Laguna Beach kids who attend high school, and documents the parties, hook ups, and lavish lifestyle of the upscale county.
Using the popularity of the show, 19 year old Schmitz, a hospitality and tourism management major at San Diego State University, created and promoted his non-profit organization, Running Home 4 Teens.
Running Home 4 Teens, (RH4T), aims to raise funds and awareness about teen suicide. In the United States, suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds. In 1999, more teenagers and young adults died from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, and chronic lung disease combined according to the Centers of Disease Control. The latest statistic is we lose someone to suicide in this country every three and a half hours. That is about 7 preventable deaths every 24 hours.
“I just got really sick of seeing people give up on themselves and since I have been here some people have taken some drastic steps when all they needed was help. Personally there was times at the start of this school year when I was really down but I have such support from the best core of friends, family and from my old girl friend back in Laguna that all really care for me. I know a lot of people don’t have that kind of support for them and that it can be easy to fully give up. With the money raised my goal is for every teen to know who to call on for help. The last thing you want to do when you’re depressed, suicidal or addicted to a substance is research for hours on where to go for help. It’s a great cause and we are going to save a lot of lives. ”
In 2004, Schmitz ran and biked 73 miles from San Diego State University to Laguna Beach in over 11 hours. He raised over $10,000 for SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education) via RH4T. Schmitz received much national support; among them was California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"Last year was the most unique life changing experience of my life. If anything I realized I have what it takes to stir interest up and to make something happen for a great cause. Next year were coming back bigger, better and I can not wait.”
And that he is. This years effort in raising funds, this goal at $50,000. Schmitz will run and bike home from the Mexico border to Laguna Beach on December 18th. The Finish Line Event will be the celebration to Schmitz bike and run of over 120 miles. Initially the event was to be held at his high school alma mater, however six days prior to Schmitz trek, Laguna Beach High School has declined him access to the school and its field due to his involvement with MTV. Having living in Laguna Beach most of his life and being an alumni of Laguna Beach High school, school officials closed their doors and not even picked up the phone to deny Schmitz in his effort to celebrate his accomplishment and charity efforts. The event venue has changed, now at the United Methodist Church in Laguna Beach, but will not put down Schmitz spirits.
“One of the many mottos of this charity has been “when you get knocked down, you get up higher then ever before.” I realized also that it doesn’t matter where I finish that this charity is so much more then that. I realized my supporters would come far and wide no matter where my run ended.”
With that said, on Sunday December 18th, at 4 AM, Schmitz will embark on his journey from the Mexican Border to his hometown of Laguna Beach. Since March 2005, Schmitz and his team have traveled all over the country raising awareness. Traveling to such locations including Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, Virginia, Rhode Island, and Minnesota.
The Finish Line Event will be an all-ages event at The United Methodist Church, 21632 Wesley Drive Laguna Beach, CA 92651 from 5-7PM. A huge party filled with entertainment, raffle prizes, and a meet and greet with the cast of first and second season of Laguna Beach. The celebration then will continue to the After Party at Club Diablos in Irvine from 8-1:30 with pretty much the same with live music from local and non-local bands. Alex Murrel of the Laguna Beach cast, Summit Avenue of Seattle, Tactic, Face Humper, The Mystix, and 3rd Phalange will be the groups performing. Event tickets are available online at EVENTVIBE.COM, while meet and greet tickets can be purchases at RH4T.COM.
Please come to support this awareness and prevention of this national epidemic. Visit www.rh4t.com to donate, shop, and view Dieter’s future appearances.
