Lee Helps Welcome Trebek Center At Skateland Site

NORTHRIDGE, CA — On Thursday, Councilmember John Lee joined members of late Jeopardy host Alex Trebek’s family, and representatives of Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission to rename Skateland the Trebek Center. Before his death, Trebek donated $500,000 to turn the old roller rink into a 23,000-square foot interim housing facility containing 107 beds.

“Trebek, a long-time Valley resident [in Studio City], was known for his philanthropy and his commitment to the fight against homelessness,” Lee said in a statement. “Thanks to a generous donation from the Trebek Family, who joined us today, Hope of the Valley will be converting the former Skateland property so that it can serve some of our most vulnerable neighbors with housing and supportive services for many years to come.”

Lee made the announcement after running a mile with Hope of the Valley CEO Ken Craft and CFO Rowan Vansleve. That was just a small fraction of Craft and Vansleve’s journey: from March 19 until Saturday, the two men ran 125 miles - or five marathons - around different Hope of the Valley sites in the San Fernando and Antelope valleys to raise $200,000.

Related coverage:

Skateland Rink Closes, Will Be Renamed Trebek Center | Northridge, CA Patch

Valley Men Run 125-Mile 'Ultra Marathon' To Stop Homelessness | Northridge, CA Patch