Paddle for Mothers: Compete for Causes Launches Challenge to Aid Homeless Moms

SAN DIEGO, California — Compete for Causes, the San Diego-based nonprofit rallying communities through fitness for social good, is inviting the standup paddle community to join its May 2025 "Move for Mothers" Virtual Fitness Challenge in support of pregnant women experiencing homelessness. Proceeds will benefit Father Joe’s Villages’ Saint Margaret of Cortona Harbor (SMOCH) program, which provides safe housing and life-changing services for young mothers in need.

From May 3-24, paddlers and athletes from across the country can take part in this 21-day challenge, tracking their physical activity—including SUP sessions—through Apple Health/Fitness. Every calorie burned paddling your favorite waterway will help unlock additional donations for these vulnerable women and their children.

"Through our Virtual Fitness Challenges, we've discovered a powerful formula that benefits everyone involved," said Jeff Szekeres, Co-founder of Compete for Causes. "Participants improve their health while making a tangible difference for inspirational causes in our community. The May 2025 challenge is especially meaningful as it supports young mothers during a critical time in their lives."

The Saint Margaret of Cortona Harbor program provides comprehensive support to pregnant women between the ages of 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness. Services include safe housing, pre and postnatal care coordination, parenting education, and pathways to permanent housing. Since its inception, SMOCH has served over 55 individuals within 25 families.

"Many of these young women come to us with histories of violence, abuse, and trauma," said Jennifer June, Chief Philanthropy Officer of Father Joe's Villages SMOCH program. "The supportive environment we provide is often their first experience of stability during pregnancy. The funds raised through this Virtual Fitness Challenge will directly impact our ability to serve this vulnerable population."

Photo courtesy: SIC Maui

How the Challenge Works

The "Move for Mothers" challenge follows Compete for Causes' proven model:

1. Participants register with a suggested donation
2. Each person receives a customized daily calorie goal based on age, gender, and weight
3. Participants connect to the challenge leaderboard via an Apple App
4. For 21 days, participants track their daily activity and aim to hit their daily Move target
5. The more participants who meet their goals, the more pledge donation money goes to the SMOCH program
6. Corporate sponsors provide additional support through matching funds and in-kind prizes

Thanks to a generous pledge pool from major donors, participants who consistently meet their goals can help earn up to $500 in additional donations for SMOCH. This multiplier effect means that a single participant's $50 registration could earn up to $15,500 in additional donations for SMOCH.

A Track Record of Success

Since its founding in 2023, Compete for Causes has raised over $162,000 for various nonprofits through its fitness competitions. Previous beneficiaries include Make-A-Wish San Diego, ConnectMed International, A Bridge for Kids, Mayo Clinic, and Sanford Burnham Prebys.

The organization's previous event in January 2025 saw 98 participants with an 88% goal achievement rate, raising $21,650 for Unravel Pediatric Cancer. With a consistent Net Promoter Score above 80, participants routinely praise the experience for its community spirit, accountability, and meaningful impact.

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities

Compete for Causes is seeking corporate sponsors to amplify the impact of the May 2025 challenge. Sponsorship packages start at $500, with benefits including:

• Brand exposure to a highly engaged audience of 100+ participants
• Recognition in all event communications
• Social media promotion
• Employee engagement opportunities
• Association with a meaningful cause

Previous sponsors include Road Runner Sports, Vuori, Fleet Feet, Burgeon Beer, Stio, Kendra Scott, and local fitness studios. In-kind sponsorships in the form of prizes, participant incentives, and promotional support are also welcomed.

Photo courtesy: Niphean

Individual Participation and Support

For individuals interested in participating, registration is now open at www.competeforcauses.com. An individual's donation goes directly to Father Joe's Villages SMOCH program.

Those unable to participate can still support the cause by:

• Making a direct donation to the pledge pool (multiplying participant impact)
• Sponsoring a participant
• Sharing information about the challenge on social media
• Providing in-kind support or services

"The beauty of our model is that it creates win-win scenarios for everyone involved," said Adam Rhodes, Co-founder of Compete for Causes. "Participants get healthier, donors see their contributions multiplied through our challenge structure, and most importantly, vulnerable mothers receive the critical support they need during a pivotal time in their lives."

Registration for the May 2025 "Move for Mothers" Virtual Fitness Challenge will remain open until April 30, 2025.

About Compete for Causes

Compete for Causes creates fitness competitions which encourage people to maintain a healthy lifestyle, support philanthropic causes, and engage and exercise with friends and family. Founded in 2023 after a group of friends trained for climbing Mt. Whitney, the organization has grown rapidly to create multiple fundraising events annually. For more information, visit www.competeforcauses.com.

About Father Joe's Villages' Saint Margaret of Cortona Harbor Program

The Saint Margaret of Cortona Harbor program at Father Joe's Villages provides a refuge of hope for pregnant women experiencing homelessness, offering them the care, support, and resources needed to build a brighter future. The program serves new mothers of children six months or younger, or expecting mothers between the ages of 18 to 24, as well as their children. For more information, visit www.neighbor.org.