In 2007 my wife and I started the Tortoise Race for Cures and were sidetracked shortly afterwards due to some disputes with our local government. I have promised my son that this year no matter the setback, I would refuel my efforts to raise money, to funding for cures of all types, especially those affecting children.

The first event will include a race to Vegas where my cousin heads a large casino, we will also sculpt another Tortoise that will tour and raise money for these causes. In 2007 the local Red Hat Ladies here in California City designed one of the tortoises I sculpted, that particular tortoise, went to the Autism Speaks event that year in Pasadena, and now has over 3000 signatures from participants and raised that many envelopes stuffed with checks made out to various organizations that search for cure for Autism. Thank you again Red Hat Ladies of California City.

One other was sculpted and sent to the late actor Paul Newman's "Painted Turtle" in Leona Valley, where terminally ill Children painted it and left their marks all over it. It will also tour this year and I have two more to sculpt, one for the Children's Hospital here in Los Angeles the other for St. Jude's.

Anyone looking to get involved or that has a story about autism, please contact me.

We are putting together a cookbook for children and would love to offer your thoughts on diets for children, challenged by all sorts of ailments. We are also producing a show titled "Kid's Can Cook" a show that allows children to come up with their on recipes for food, that their parents get to eat. We want to do a local viewing of the show when finished and we are inviting residents from California City and Mojave to attend. Should you wish to do so, please contact Gail and she will put you on the list.

Russell Michael

For details on this story Contact;

Gail Michael @ 760-373-4966 gail@californiacitystudios.com