Kendall-Jackson Team Human Race 2010

Start Off 2012 Running For The Human Race

Each spring there is a heartwarming event held called The Human Race, a nationwide community fundraising event. The human race gives participants a chance to line up and have some fun doing a run or walk while raising funds for any nonprofit organization, school or church they choose. Individuals, organizations and businesses pledge contributions to support the runners’ efforts.

The Volunteer Center of Sonoma County is the host of our local Human Race, the largest collaborative fundraising event in Sonoma County, as well as the biggest Human Race in the nation. Kendall-Jackson is the largest corporate sponsor of the event and each year many of our employees run, or pledge support for our runners, to help raise funds for charity.

As a new resident of Santa Rosa, last year was my first year running the 10K and it was a very special morning for me. It was truly moving to see over 9,000 men, women and children from ages 8 to 80 out having fun walking the 3K or racing for a personal record in the 10K. I’ve never seen more enthusiastic volunteers along the course cheering on the runners.

In 2011 our Human Race raised $871,000 for 252 nonprofits – significantly up from the first event’s $1,800 in 1981. This year on May 5th we hope to raise $1,000,000 and I’ve got a personal stake in hitting the mark since I’m now on the board of the Volunteer Center and part the Human Race Implementation Committee.

Wednesday February 1st kicks-off our fundraising season at The Breakfast of Champions held at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa. There will be live music, motivational speakers, and all the materials needed for you or your organization to kick start your fundraising (contact the Volunteer Center for more info 707-573-3399).

I mentioned in my Holiday post that supporting environmental change takes patience because it often takes time for the benefits to be visible. When you give your time, effort or money to help charities and people in need they feel the difference right away. You can search on-line for a Human Race near you or even support our efforts here on wine country.