CALLING ALL OPTIMISTS!

A heart of joy. A spirit of optimism. A playful nature. These are the great gifts of childhood.  Thousands of our area's kids have been robbed of these precious gifts by life's hardships and cruelties.  By obtaining pledges and participating in the SITE SoCal 2009 Holiday 5K Fun Run/Walk, you can help the following exceptional Southern California-based childrens charities: Horsemanship for the Handicapped, OC Youth Commission, and My Stuff Bags.  Please read below for more information on these great charities.  Please note that there is a $50 minimum amount raised in pledges to participate.

GETTING STARTED IS EASY!

It only takes a few minutes to creat your online Personal Fundraising Page:

• Click the Get Started button
• Register for the SITE SoCal 2009 Holiday 5K Fun Run/Walk
• Strengthen your efforts and camaraderie by starting or joining a fundraising team
• Personalize the text and the photo on your Online Fundraising Page to express your passions and your purpose.
• Send the link out to your friends, family, colleagues - anyone you think will help you reach your goal!

PLEDGE PRIZE AWARDS (Cumulative):

• $50 or more = Organic Cotton Event T-shirt
• $100 or more = Eco-friendly Stainless Steel Water Bottle
• $150 or more = Sports Hat
• $250 or more = Maui Jim Sunglasses*
• Prizes will be awarded to the person with the top pledge amount and the team with the top pledge amount!
• *Golfers who receive Maui Jim Sunglasses will get an alternate pledge prize award at this level for the Run/Walk

EVENT OVERVIEW:

• THe 5K Event takes place on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 7:00am at Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes, California
• The course is a 5K (3.1 mile) run or walk along a scenic trail with beautiful ocean views.  The course is part of a public trail system and is a natural (not cement) trail with a few stairways along its course. 
• Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers!

OUR CHARITIES

Horsemanship for the Handicapped

Horsemanship for the Handicapped provides therapeutic riding to children with mental and physical disabilities. Benefits to the children includes physical benefits: improves balance, stamina, muscle development and coordination; mental benefits: develops concentration, vocabulary, knowledge, and stimulates interest in animals and their surroundings; emotional benefits: gives pride in accomplishment, new adventures and challenges, and helps to overcome fears; social benefits: encourages a friendly, outgoing and cooperative attitude. Website:  Horsemanship for the Handicapped

OC Youth Commission

Youth in the inner-cities are living in poverty, amidst high crime and gang activity, exposure to the dangers of drugs, experiencing low academic performance and other serious challenges to their well-being. To address these disparities and bring support, guidance and resources to the children of the inner-city, the Orange County Youth Commission was formed. The Orange County Youth Commission establishes after school programs, on public school campuses, that provide homework assistance, structured sports and biblically-based character lessons and character building activities such as community service projects and student planned field trips. Website: Orange County Youth Commission

My Stuff Bags Foundation

The My Stuff Bags Foundation provides comfort and a message of hope to abused and neglected children entering crisis and foster care through its unique program, My Stuff Bags. Sadly, many children are in need, but giving them My Stuff Bags provides them items that they can call their own - simple comforts like a blanket, a stuffed animal, a book, and a toothbrush. Website: My Stuff Bags

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

A big thank you to our title sponsors, Travel Alberta and Banff Lake Louise Tourism!  Thanks to all who have given their time and support to make this event a success!