We just landed in Lake Tahoe, and we’re getting set to recognize 10 yr old Ashlee Smith, 2008 Red Cross Real Hero Award Winner and founder of “Ashlee’s Toy Closet,” a non-profit that provides toys to children recovering after disasters. After a house fire devasted her home, Ashlee decided to reach out to other children who were in need after similar disasters. Now, Ashlee ships toys all over the country to in her words “…help the little victims in a big way!” Check out her growing organization at http://ashleestoycloset.org/, and don’t forget to friend us on facebook, follow us on twitter, and tell others about our mission. The more people involved, the better!

On route to San Fran., we picked up 11 year old, Glendale, AZ native Braxton Bilbrey who became the youngest swimmer to complete the 1.4 mile Alcatraz Swim (age 7) and the 3.5 mile Around the Rock swim (age 8)—around the infamous Alcatraz Island—to raise awareness for water safety, in particular childhood drowning.

Braxton is active in the Fast Talkers program where he frequently speaks to elementary aged children around the Phoenix area about water safety.  He also works regularly with Water Safety for Refugees, a program that helps refugee children become safer in the water.  You can follow the great work being done by Braxton, his coach Joe Zemaitis, and other Phoenix area swimmers, at thefastfoundation.com.