2014 Wharf To Wharf Donations Near Quarter Million Dollars

The Santa Cruz Wharf to Wharf Race has donated $240,140 to local schools and non-profit organizations, WTW Treasurer, Mark McConnell reported this week.

“The Wharf to Wharf Race is far more than a once-a-year regional event,” said McConnell. “The organization’s mission is to promote the health and fitness of the youth of Santa Cruz County. We do that by donating money raised from the race to help support our local sports programs.”

The non-profit corporation donated to 34 separate organizations during 2014. The largest gift was given to Good Shepherd School – a $21,000 donation to help install a new quarter-mile track that is now in use by students as well as the community.

The Wharf to Wharf Race was founded in 1973, and is one of the most popular road races in the United States. Last year, more than 16,000 people ran the race from Santa Cruz to Capitola.

The organization, Wharf to Wharf Race, Inc., is chartered to promote running as a means to health and fitness, particularly for the youth.

Ken Thomas, president of the Wharf to Wharf Board of Directors, said that the total number of contributions in the race’s 42 year history is over $5 million. “Every year the Wharf to Wharf Board of Directors reviews grant applications from schools and non-profits to ensure that the money we donate goes directly to programs that encourage health and fitness,” Thomas said. “In an era of budget cuts, the Wharf to Wharf Race continues to make a significant contribution that goes directly to support the wellness and fitness of young people throughout Santa Cruz County.”