SANTA CRUZ – The typical Wharf-to-Wharf participant is helping to support local schools when they cross the finish line. A few local runners, however, will increase the impact of their efforts by raising additional funds to support local children in foster care.
At a kick-off event this past Sunday at Michael’s on Main in Soquel, participants of Team CASA joined together to generate excitement for their fundraising campaign to support training and supervision for volunteers eager to become Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in the Santa Cruz County foster care system.
“CASA is providing assistance to the most vulnerable youth in our community, and in their greatest moment of need CASA is there for them,” says Hilary Bryant, Santa Cruz Councilwoman and Team CASA Honorary Chairperson for the third year.
Most Team CASA participants already registered for Wharf-to-Wharf prior to joining. They launched their own fundraising pages and solicited support from family and friends. The few who didn’t want to run, or were unable, joined the fundraising effort and will be cheerleading the runners. CASA was also grateful for the sponsorship of Schoolhouse Chai, CalGiant, Smeenk Construction, Pamela Santacroce, New Leaf Community Markets, and the Rocky and Judy Franich Fund.
Brett Gotcher, a well-known local marathoner who placed eighteenth in this year’s Boston Marathon, once again holds the title Team CASA Honorary Captain. He honored Team CASA participant Fred Koehler for raising the most money thus far and presented him with two tickets to a Giants game, donated by Kenny Stewart of Santa Cruz
With two weeks until the start of the race, there is still time to support Team CASA. You can help CASA reach their goal of raising $50,000 by visiting www.teamcasa.teamraiseeasy.com and donating today to provide real hope for local children in foster care.