After seeing an unexpected crowd lined up in the food pantry at West Valley Community Services, Ken Saxton did something few high school students his age would do; he decided to put together a charity race.
In conjunction with , Ken, 16, began organizing the West Valley Dash of Hope, a 5K and 10K charity run and walk benefitting local youths in need of a nutritious meal. The event takes place on July 22 at 8:30a.m. at Vasona Park in Los Gatos.
Lately, WVCS noticed a rise in the number of families requesting assistance through the food pantry, and notes the growing problem is affecting many nonprofit agencies, especially during the summer.
The Dash of Hope aims to tackle this issue by raising monetary support for childhood hunger services provided through West Valley Community Services. In addition to fundraising money, a canned food drive will also be taking place on the day of the race.
For the past three years WVCS has been a part-time job of sorts to this incoming senior at Bellarmine College Preparatory. He volunteers in the food panty 20 to 25 hours per week because he feels it’s important to give back to the community.
“This is something in which everyone can take an active part,” Ken says. “Whether it’s signing up to participate in this year’s race, making a charitable contribution or donating a can of food, every person can give back to the community this summer.”
Ken hopes the race will be able to help the children in Santa Clara County enjoy their summer without having to worry about an empty stomach.
This year’s Dash of Hope will feature USA Track & Field-certified courses along with music and various food trucks. Post-race refreshments will be provided, and registered runners have the opportunity to win two round-trip domestic plane tickets courtesy of JetBlue Airways.
