Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme to be benefited at local marathon

OXNARD, Calif. - Nov. 12, 2013 - PRLog -- Oxnard, CA –The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme is proud to announce for the third year in a row it is taking part in the Santa to the Sea Half Marathon Charity Challenge. The Club is one of five designated charities that race participants can help raise money for.

Santa to the Sea race takes part Dec. 8 in Oxnard and offers four different types of races for people to walk or run: half marathon, two-person relay race, 5k run and a 1k fun run. The annual event typically draws thousands of participants, who are asked to bring a new toy to be donated to underprivileged children in Ventura County.

“It’s great to be involved with the Santa to the Sea event, which helps the community in so many ways,” said Tim Blaylock, BGCOP chief professional officer. “This year’s goal is to raise $25,000 during the race.”

Runners can choose their charity when they register. Participants who help raise money for the Club can receive a number of prizes and incentives, including an iPod shuffle, movie passes and Boys & Girls Club T-shirts. Individuals can also sponsor a participant or a team. The top three fundraisers will receive a gift certificate and an award.

“It costs roughly $500 dollars a year to sponsor a Club member,” said Blaylock. “We feel all youths are entitled to the enriching programs that the Club provides at minimal cost. We really hope to increase our funding through Santa to the Sea so that we can better serve our community’s youth.”

All fundraising efforts will be invested into improving BGCOP programs and facilities for the Club’s 9,000 children and teen members. All interested participants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as entry fees increase as the event nears.

To register, visit santatothesea.com. Or contact BGCOP’s Director of Major Gifts and Annual Giving, Kelly Ventimiglia at 815-4959 x 205.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme exists to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. With three full-service clubs, 13 school program sites and one housing site, the organization is one of the largest of its kind in California, serving more than 9,000 members annually. The group is also the first Boys & Girls Club of its kind to open a site inside a Juvenile Justice Center in the state of California. Program areas offered to youth include character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, technology and sports, fitness and recreation. For more information, visit www.positiveplace4kids.org.