It’s time to get your ZOMBIE on! The 4th annual PSAR Zombie 5k Run/Walk will be held Saturday, Oct. 6, at Rohr Park, 4548 Sweetwater Road, Bonita. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. The run/walk begins at 9 a.m.
The PSAR Charity Committee is inviting all PSAR members to gather your family and friends together to compete in this fun event for all ages. Two local nonprofits will benefit from event proceeds, including Rady Children’s Hospital and South Bay Community Services.
Participants are invited to dress up in their best zombie attire, or you can just come as you are. Halloween costumes are welcomed, too. Entry fee is $10 for adults and children over age 5. Admission is free for children under age 5. Entry fee includes a t-shirt with logo if registration is completed prior to Friday, Sept. 28th. To register, visit https://gozombie.eventbrite.com , or call (619) 421-7811. Sponsorships are available. Volunteers are needed to help accommodate the crowds and assist with race course activities.
In addition to the 5k, don’t miss on enjoying all sorts of special activities for kids of all ages, including face painting in a variety of artful designs, music, colorful balloons and inflatable bounce house, as well as prizes and awards for the ever-popular best costume contest and cuties costume for your four-legged member of the family. Yes, of course, the PSAR Zombie 5k is pet friendly.
Last year’s 3rd annual event raised $4,000. The event was a lot of fun and organizers received rave reviews from participants.
Last year, PSAR members Robert Cromer and Kim Peterson received a note from Kourtney King, corporate and community development officer with Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation. The note said the following:
“Thank you for having me at your fun event and for supporting Rady Children’s Hospital. It was a great morning filled with so much energy. The young patients at Rady Children’s Hospital inspire me each and every day. When faced with a chronic illness, they show courage. When battling a life-threatening disease, they call upon their strength. When there are setbacks, they show resilience. And through it all, despite the many challenges, they never give up home. Hope is the gift you give our families.”
PSAR’s Zombie Run/Walk proceeds also will benefit a South Bay Community Services (SBCS) transitional housing program for former foster youth and/or homeless youth while they finish school or complete job training.
According to SBCS, foster youth are often removed from their homes for various reasons, such as abuse, neglect or abandonment. While some may be adopted, reunited with family or find the right permanent foster family, many face instability as they move from placement to placement. It is not uncommon to hear that a child has been moved 15 times to different homes, not to mention schools and new surroundings.
The transition to adulthood is even more difficult. Support ends at age 18 years and for emancipated youth even sooner. Foster youth transition to adulthood alone often with no guidance, financial support, shelter or sense of place. They are among the highest at risk to end up homeless, unemployed or in prison.
SBCS is a Chula Vista-based community based organization providing holistic comprehensive support for children, youth and families in crisis to help them heal and create self sufficient lives. SBCS supports local residents with housing assistance, counseling, life skills and job readiness training.
Written By Richard Griffin