Charities
Runningbear showcases a deep passion for philanthropic endeavors and finds it beyond rewarding to help those in need.
If Runningbear can give back in any way possible, he will! And therefore, he has made it his life mission to be involved with as many charitable organizations that not only resonate with him, but also can make a difference in the Native American community.
Apart from Project Angel Food, Runningbear is very proud to also sit on the Board of Indian Health, working to make sure that native families get the adequate health care services in the Riverside and San Bernardino County areas. Board of Indian Health currently has over 18,000 patients, which is one of the largest service providers in the nation for this specific group of people. With each philanthropic endeavor that Runningbear is involved with, he is hoping to utilize his knowledge and passion for helping those in need, as well as Native American heritage to continue being a renowned spokesperson for his community.
Project Angel Food
Founded in 1989, Project Angel Food is a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles. It was created to help aid people who are too ill to shop and cook for themselves by providing them with free delivered meals.
Runningbear began working with Project Angel Food in 2017 after he was introduced by his good friend Lisa. The organization became very personal to him due to his own mother being sick and frail while he a young boy. Seeing the benefits and compassion that Project Angel Food has for people like her, and could have had for her when she was unwell, ignited a passion in Runningbear to where he he knew he had to become involved with this sympathetic group.
Eventually Runningbear joined the board in 2018, and since then, he has helped launch the Native American Diabetes Pilot Program which provides medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling for Native American’s living with diabetes in Los Angeles County.
Project Angel Food
Fashion Feed
Growing up, fashion has always been a major passion of Runningbear’s, as he was introduced to the industry at an early age. Intrigued by the way someone can so intrinsically create a garment, Runningbear feels that fashion represents transformation into someone new; a person full of confidence and individuality.
In particular, Runningbear also appreciates that clothing can be used as a platform to showcase one’s own personal style, personality, and culture. From always being in awe of fashion, Runningbear eventually turned that passion into a part of his life’s work – being a luxury fashion consultant. Over the years, Runningbear has attended some of the best and most prestigious runway shows in the world, from Milan, to Paris, and even Greece. Furthermore, working with Louis Vuitton over the years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of Runningbear’s life thus far. He is fortunate enough to lend his thoughts and creative visions to help aid in the creation of LV’s beautiful and exquisite garments and luxury handbags, something that most people only dream of.
In 2020, Runningbear will be sitting front row at the luxurious Fendi and Gucci shows in Milan, proudly showcasing his native heritage and individuality through his wardrobe. Always bringing a traditional flare to any fashion event he attends, Runningbear feels it is so important for him to represent his culture all over the world.
San Manuel Casino
Runningbear’s family tribe is the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, a federally recognized Indian tribe located in the San Bernardino highlands. Their land, the San Manuel Reservation, was establish in 1891 and is recognized as a sovereign nation with the right of self-governance.
Runningbear’s family owns the San Manuel Casino, one of southern California’s most popular gaming and entertainment centers. Located just 60 minutes outside Los Angeles, the San Manuel Casino offers entertainment, fine dining, and of course plenty of gaming. Currently, the casino is undergoing a $550 million expansion which will include an additional onsite hotel, an updated world-class entertainment venue, cutting-edge restaurants, retail experiences, and much more. The expansion is expected to be completed by 2021.
Established in 1986, San Manuel Casino was originally designed as a simple bingo hall. Now, over 30 years later it will be home to a full-scale resort with state-of-the-art amenities.
First Nations Experience
Runningbear recently joined the board of First Nations Experience (FNX), hoping to be at the forefront of taking the network to the digital age, including releasing its very own app.
FNX is the first and only national broadcast television network in the U.S. that is dedicated to Native American content. The network airs native produced documentaries, TV series – including children, nature, cooking and arts programming, all of which accurately depict the lives, experiences and cultures of native people.
FNX was established in 2011 thanks to a $6 million donation from its founding partner, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. In 2015, the network received a second donation of $6 million from the same partner to expand the reach of the network.
FNX is tirelessly working on obtaining channel carriage in as many cities as possible. Currently, it is available in 14 different stares from New York to North Dakota, and has a potential viewing audience of over 46 million people.
Runningbear is very much looking forward to growing FNX’s reach while continuing to give Native Americans endless opportunities to share their stories.
