Pamela Anderson gave her career a superboost by running on a beach, and now she’s going to put her skills to use for a good cause: Haiti.

Anderson says she hopes to raise at least $500,000 for the cause by running in the ING New York City Marathon on November 3. Haiti has been in need of so much since a massive earthquake struck in 2010, and Anderson says she can’t believe more people haven’t gotten involved.

“Poorest Country in the Western Hemisphere. Just a one-hour flight from Miami. How are we not more involved? Desperate need for things we take for granted – clean water, safe school structures, medical facilities, emergency rooms, reforestation possibilities – conservation, education. Organic products allowed into Free trade market (mangoes, coffee, vanilla, vegetables). The opportunities are endless,” she said.

The actress is a longtime friend of Sean Penn’s and says she jumped at the chance to help in Haiti right after the quake that destroyed so much.

“I was in Haiti shortly after the earthquake to help with local farms and food distribution in tent camps. I visited J/P HRO when it was in its beginning stages. I brought cold beer through rubble-covered streets to volunteers who were working long days surrounded by dust and death…I think many people shine in Haiti. They Jumped. Took Action. Made the decision to help. It feels good to help. And it heals us too.”

Image: CrowdRise/Team J/P HRO