FOOTWASHING FOR THE HOMELESS

Los Angeles Mission Easter Event also Provides Good Food, New Shoes

Los Angeles --- April 6, 2007--- The act of washing another person's feet is both a humbling and a spiritual experience. When that person is homeless, the act takes on even greater significance. It tells the person whose feet are being bathed that they have worth, and that someone cares about them enough to touch them in a loving manner.

Each Easter, the physicians, nurses and volunteers of the Los Angeles Mission Community Clinic reach out to the homeless community in this special way. Good Friday more than 200 homeless men, women and children were given this special treat, part of the annual Easter celebration at the Los Angeles Mission.

Preparations for the event have been going on for months. And Friday morning started early for the staff and volunteers and the Mission. Fifth Street was closed to vehicular traffic, tents were set up, chairs and tables prepared, and the entire scene was decorated for the festivities. At the same time, kitchen staff and volunteers were preparing the meal, while also providing breakfast to hundreds of overnight guests, program participants, and "friends and neighbors."

"There is a certain type of wildly organized activity to get everything ready," said Herb Smith, president of the Los Angeles Mission. "We want everything to be perfect for our guests. We treat people with respect and dignity, and we want them to enjoy the event and to feel a part of a family. But there is a lot to be done to convert a Skid Row street into a giant outdoor dining room." Los Angeles Mission Board Member Marilyn McCoo and her husband Billy Davis Jr., both former lead singers of the original 5th Dimension were the hosts of the event. "Easter is a special time for us," McCoo said. "Sharing our faith and God's love at the Mission is a great way to celebrate."

"We wash the feet of the homeless for two reasons," said Smith. "It is a religious act, commemorating the time during the Last Supper when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. He was demonstrating the ultimate act of servanthood. But for us foot washing has another purpose as well. We find that our homeless guests often have foot problems that go undetected, and we can offer examinations and evaluations, and even do minor procedures that make them more comfortable."

2000 Mission guests also received brand new pairs of shoes. Skateboard shoe company etnies brought shoes for the homeless and have been a long time supporter of the Los Angeles Mission. The owner of etnies, Pierre Andre Senizergues, a former world champion skateboarder has a special connection with the homeless, and sees the event as an obligation to serve the disadvantaged.

"My success in life gives me the opportunity to give back to people who have very little," Senizergues said. "As a teenager pursuing the dream of becoming a professional skateboarder, I spent a lot of time on the streets of major cities. The people I would see often were those who actually lived on the street. After years of hard work and building my company, I want to reach out and help in a way that was meaningful. Good shoes make all of the difference in the comfort of people's lives, especially the homeless who spend so much time on their feet."

Many who came to Friday's event live in temporary housing in the Skid Row area, others in shelters, and many from the streets. All are greeted by staff and volunteers with respect and served a hearty meal and given Easter treats. There were Easter baskets for the children, and adults were measured and given a new pair of shoes.

Volunteers included political leaders and celebrities from television and film (a complete list of celebrity volunteers is attached.)

About etnies
Established in 1986, etnies is the first skateboarder-owned and operated global action sports footwear and apparel company. etnies not only pushed the envelope by creating the first pro model skate shoe, but it pioneered technological advances and changed the face of skateboard footwear forever. Today etnies' vision is to remain the leading action sports company committed to creating functional products that provide the most style, comfort, durability and protection possible. etnies stays true to its roots by sponsoring a world class team of skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, moto x and BMX athletes and continues its dedication by giving back to each of these communities. For additional information, visit www.etnies.com.

For nearly 60 years, the Los Angeles Mission has served the people of Skid Row, providing emergency services such as shelter, food, clothing, as well as professional medical and dental services. In addition, the Los Angeles Mission also offers long-term residential rehabilitation programs including education, job training/placement, transitional housing and counseling.