By Lookout Staff

November 7, 2014 -- Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) officials donated $10,000 to a number of local nonprofit organizations that help the homeless.

The money was raised as part of DTSM’s Dolphin Change Program, which gives locals an opportunity give spare change to the homeless without handing it directly to panhandlers.
                                                                       
Since its inception in 1993, people have dropped $225,000 into the giant dolphin sculptures located on the Promenade, the Santa Monica Pier, Main Street and the Canyon Charter Business School. The money goes to social service agencies in the Westside community.

"The greatest part about the program is the support it offers to agencies that have made a real difference in people’s lives," says Kathleen Rawson, CEO of DTSM.

"These agencies provide essential support to the most vulnerable in our community to stop the destructive patterns and address the issues that create homelessness."

This year's recipients included the Clare Foundation, which received $5,000 to help provide “effective and compassionate treatment, recovery and prevention services to victims of alcoholism and substance abuse,” according to Downtown officials.

The Westside Food Bank, which provides food to social service organizations on the Westside of Los Angeles County, also received $5,000.

The dolphin banks, designed by internationally acclaimed naturalist sculptor Peter Erlich, were chosen as the program's key element for the creature’s symbolic meaning of giving and intuition, said officials.

In the past, the program has helped various non-profits with their homeless-related programs, with funds helping Chrysalis source jobs for the homeless, Turning Point get people off the streets and Step Up On Second care for those who suffer from mental illness.