Community Involvement, Inside CDCR Video, Sports in CDCR

CIW 5k run raises funds for fire victims

May 23, 2025

California Institution for Women (CIW) recently held a 5k run to raise funds for Los Angeles fire victims. Led by Principal Gayla Brown, the event also saw participation from 85 incarcerated individuals. In all, $2,150 was donated to relief efforts.

“The Education Department led the effort to raise money for families impacted by the devastating Eaton fire,” organizers said. “Our community responded with enthusiasm.”

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Held April 10, the 85 incarcerated residents arrived at Recreation Field to be welcomed by education staff. They were then checked in and handed a sports drink.

During the opening ceremony, Brown and Chief Deputy Warden (CDW) Sonia Padilla said it is a big deal for incarcerated people to donate $20. Their donation speaks volumes about how much they care for those in outside community who lost homes.

“I’m excited for the passion you’ve shown to come and run a 5k and for the reasons why you’re doing it,” she told the incarcerated participants. “Your hearts are just full.”

Recreation Coach Aaron Moore said he was inspired to create the event by his firefighter son.

Coach Heidi Wippel and CIW Coach Aaron Moore at the CIW 5k Run to Rebuild. — OCE Coach Heidi Wippel and CIW Coach Aaron Moore.

Two people using canes but still taking part in the CIW 5k Run to Rebuild. — OCE Coach Heidi Wippel and CIW Coach Aaron Moore.

Afterwards, Physical Fitness Trainers (PFT), under the supervision of PFT Coach Monique Nolan, kicked off the 10-lap walk/run around the track with a 5-minute stretching exercise.

The population walked the track with outside guests including representatives from the Office of Correctional Education (OCE).

“This allowed us to share what the day meant. To most of the incarcerated persons, it is much more than just a walk and a monetary donation,” organizers said. “This event allowed CIW’s population to extend our compassion to a larger community.”

A chance to give back

Getting a start on the run/walk to raise funds at CIW.

A group of people walking and running on a track at California Institution for Women (CIW) as part of a 5k fundraiser for fire victims.

Incarcerated person Misti Mangone, who kept seeing the devastation on TV, said she wanted to help. She also wishes she was out in the community so she could be more hands on with helping.

“There are so many things I would want to do to try to give back, like take people water or blankets, or anything,” she said. “I have such empathy in my heart today.”

Stephanie Lazarus, another incarcerated participant, said she hopes there can be more fundraisers like these in the future.

“It creates an opportunity for us to make living amends and is a great cause,” she said.

OCE Physical Education and Recreation Coach Heidi Wippel agreed.

“We must never forget the impact of those who are currently incarcerated and their footprint in the communities through lessons learned,” she said. “It is the ability to empathize with those less fortunate that brings out the human in all of us.”

All participants received water bottles, wristbands, and some treats on their way out.

Submitted by Heidi Wippel, OCE Physical Education and Recreation Coach
Written by Aimee Gana, incarcerated reporter
Video by incarcerated journalists, edited by Jonathan Mumm, CIW TV specialist

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