Guests recently gathered at The Classic Club in Palm Desert for the 11th annual 4ShayJ Foundation “Cards for a Cause” casino night fundraiser. The room was buzzing with excitement as supporters came together to help protect children across the Coachella Valley one bright helmet at a time.
Have you noticed the bright lime-green bicycle and skateboard helmets appearing in neighborhoods, parks and schoolyards throughout the valley? Those helmets are the signature of the 4ShayJ Foundation, which provides safety helmets and promotes safety awareness for children who may not otherwise have access to protective gear.
The foundation was created after the tragic loss of Shaun and Ginger Clark’s 19-year-old son, Shaun Jr., whose nickname was ShayJ. On March 31, 2015, ShayJ was skateboarding with friends when his skateboard slipped out from under him. As he stepped into the street to retrieve it, he was struck by a car. ShayJ died instantly when his head hit the pavement. The accident was not caused by the impact of the car, but by the absence of a helmet.
The Clark family transformed their unimaginable grief into a mission of prevention — ensuring that other families do not experience the same loss.
Chelsea Clark, ShayJ’s sister and chief of operations for the foundation, says the mission remains deeply personal. “Losing ShayJ changed my life forever,” she said. “His passing was the result of not wearing a helmet, something that seems so simple yet carries life-altering consequences. What began as grief became a responsibility to help protect other families.”
Since its founding in 2015, the 4ShayJ Foundation has reached more than 500,000 students in local schools and distributed more than 30,000 safety helmets throughout the Coachella Valley.
The foundation focuses on educating children about helmet safety for bikes, scooters and skateboards, empowering them to take responsibility for their own safety.
“We want kids to wear a helmet — always,” said Shaun Sr.
The foundation’s bright green helmets, developed in partnership with Pro-Tec Helmets, have become widely recognized across the valley as a symbol of safety awareness.
School presentations are a key part of the foundation’s outreach. During these interactive sessions, students learn about the importance of wearing protective gear and how simple safety habits can save lives.
In 2025 alone, the foundation reached more than 10,000 children, distributed 3,700 helmets, engaged 175 volunteers, visited 20 schools, participated in 13 community events and partnered with 11 local sponsors. Each number represents a child educated and a family empowered with knowledge that can prevent tragedy.
During school presentations, the Clark family shares ShayJ’s story and invites students to talk openly about why they sometimes avoid wearing helmets. The conversation allows educators to address common misconceptions and help children understand the real risks involved.
Students often respond with heartfelt reflections.
“Now I feel safer riding my bike because I have my own helmet,” one student said.
“I’m going to make sure my little brother wears his helmet too,” said another.
Others wrote things like: “Thank you for teaching us how to protect our brains,” and “I didn’t know helmets could save your life until you came to our school.”
Community support plays a vital role in sustaining the foundation’s mission. Donations, sponsorships and partnerships directly fund helmet distribution and safety education programs for children across the valley.
Sponsors for the evening’s casino tables included The Exception, Grayco Electric, Lawson Concrete Inc., Scott Braun Realty, Issac Lewis & Associates Insurance Services, The Light House Lighting & Ceiling Fan Showroom, Assemblymember Greg Wallis, Walter Clark Legal Group, Coachella Valley Foot and Ankle and R&S Drywall.
Every contribution helps expand the foundation’s reach — providing properly fitted helmets, delivering safety education to schools and supporting families throughout the Coachella Valley.
With continued community support, the 4ShayJ Foundation plans to expand its mission even further. “Our goal is to continue educating children and one day take this message nationwide,” said the Clark family.
To learn more or get involved, visit 4shayj.com or email info@4shayj.com.
Kathleen Bennett is the founder/principal of Resort Marketing, an award-winning company based in Palm Springs with the experience and expertise to assist in achieving the dreams and goals of each client. Since establishing her firm 30 years ago, Bennett consults in the fields of hospitality, business and nonprofit organizations. She is on the executive committee for the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars and still finds time to volunteer in the community.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 4ShayJ Foundation hosts ‘Cards for a Cause’ casino night fundraiser
Reporting by Kathleen Bennett, Special to The Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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