By Carol Leish, MA –
The 8th Annual Stronger Families & Safer Kids 5K Run and Resource Fair will be held Aug. 1 at ’olol’koy (Oxnard Beach Park) in Oxnard. The family-friendly event will feature live music, resource tables, raffles, silent auctions and giveaways. All registrants will receive a complimentary raffle ticket.
“The upcoming fundraiser is more of a ‘friend-raiser,’” said Kathleen Van Antwerp, Ed.D., who has served as director of the Ventura County Partnership for Safe Families & Communities for the past 10 years. “By coming to the event, participants will be taking a stand against child abuse and family violence.”
Van Antwerp said Ventura County’s Child & Family Wellness System relies on community collaboration, and the Partnership for Safe Families helps bring resources, education and support directly to families.
“This annual event is a celebration with our community partners,” she said. “Through it, we put the wellness system into action.”
The Partnership for Safe Families is a nonprofit organization that serves as Ventura County’s Child Abuse Prevention Council. Its mission is to promote a community committed to safe, healthy and peaceful families.
Event coordinator Blanca Lozano said the annual 5K has become a valued community tradition.
“The run is rooted in our community and offers valuable resources,” Lozano said. “Every year, more community members join us, and we continue to see growing participation from runners.”
Gold Coast Health Plan is the event’s presenting sponsor. Resource tables will showcase services and programs from organizations throughout Ventura County, including Ventura County Public Health, Ventura County Probation, Human Services Agency Child & Family Services, Interface Children & Family Services, First 5 Ventura County, MICOP, Vista Real Charter School, Sylvan Learning Center, Reel Guppy Outdoors, Children’s Home Society, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Crime Victims’ Assistance Unit and Ventura County Office of Education Early Childhood Programs.
“The run takes place at one of the county’s most beautiful locations,” Lozano said. “’olol’koy (Oxnard Beach Park) sits along the coast next to the Mandalay Beach area, making it a wonderful setting for families and runners alike.”
Medals will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place male and female finishers. The race will be professionally timed. Family-friendly raffle baskets, jewelry donated by George Thompson and other items contributed by local businesses will be featured in the silent auction. Food trucks also will be on-site throughout the event.
“We look forward to having the community stand united with us,” Lozano said. “Bring your friends and family and enjoy our beautiful Ventura County coastline while supporting a meaningful cause.”
The event will run from 8 a.m. to noon at ’olol’koy (Oxnard Beach Park), 1601 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., and the 5K run/walk starts at 8:15 a.m. Medal presentations are scheduled for 9:30 a.m.
Participants also can enjoy a free photo booth, food trucks and raffles throughout the morning.
Registration is $25 plus a $2.50 processing fee. For more information or to register, visit www.partnership5K.org or contact Blanca Lozano at blozano@partnershipforsafefamilies.org.
