Ten years ago supporters of Child Advocates of Silicon Valley put boots\u2014and running shoes\u2014on the ground for the first Foster5K, which raises money for programs benefiting foster youth in Santa Clara County as well as awareness of the need for such programs.\u00a0 Organizers say this year\u2019s race, set for May 17 at Martial Cottle Park in San Jose, is a testament to that original vision.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we\u2019ve built together is something I\u2019m incredibly proud of,\u201d Foster5K founder Debbie Crouse said in a release. \u201cThis 10th anniversary isn\u2019t just a milestone; it\u2019s proof that Silicon Valley cares deeply about its most vulnerable children.\u201d<\/p>\n
The nonprofit Child Advocates, which recently moved from Milpitas to San Jose, works to ensure that youth in the Santa Clara County Dependency Court system, commonly referred to as foster care, are paired with a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). CASA volunteers help foster youth navigate courts, schools and medical systems for up to 18 months.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe data shows how much it matters,\u201d Foster5K committee\u00a0member Vik Ghai\u00a0 wrote in an email to this publication. \u201cOnly 58% of foster youth in California graduate high school. With a CASA volunteer, that number climbs to over 85%.\u201d<\/p>\n
This year, more than 400 participants are expected to run or walk in the Foster 5k. The event also includes an 800-meter Big Kids Dash for youth ages 6-10 and a 250-meter Little Kids Dash for children 5 and younger. The 5k begins at 9 a.m., with the Kids Dash at 10 a.m. Register at Foster5K.org <\/a>for a race shirt, medal, raffle ticket, goody bags for all Kids Dasher, an after-party for all ages and prizes for top finishers.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Foster5K represents the power of community action,\u201d said Child Advocates CEO Frederick J. Ferrer. \u201cEach step taken directly supports our mission to provide the advocacy and support needed to foster youth in Santa Clara County.\u201d<\/p>\n