Community and Clubs: Caped crusaders run to raise money for schools
This Saturday, young caped crusaders will lace up their shoes for the 9th annual Costa Mesa Community Run’s superhero fun run. Children are encouraged to dress as comic book heroes, or less recognized heroes such as teachers and other community leaders. Capes will be distributed for children to decorate before they run.
The Costa Mesa Community Run was started in 2007 by the Costa Mesa Kiwanis Club under the leadership of Jeff Dimsdale and Phil D’Agostino, then principal of Estancia High School. D’Agostino’s concept was a marathon between Estancia and Costa Mesa high schools as a way to build a bridge between them. He also wanted a single event to raise funds for all Costa Mesa public schools.
“Obviously, we talked him out of a marathon,” said CMCR’s own superhero and race director, Karen Barloon. “The first year we offered a 2k and 5k. The event now also includes the kids fun run and 10k.
“Our primary goal has always been to bring community together. Costa Mesa has a rare and beautiful parcel of open space that lends itself to getting people together to enjoy the day and meet their neighbors.”
The numerous governmental, public and community organizations and service clubs supporting CMCR demonstrate that it has achieved its primary goal.
Since its inception, CMCR has enjoyed the support of the Kiwanis, Newport-Mesa Unified School District and the city of Costa Mesa. Each year, Kiwanis, with the help of the Estancia Key Club, stuff event goodie bags. In earlier years, Kiwanis hosted a pancake breakfast and coffee at the event. The school district provides the use of the Estancia facility and other assistance.
As title sponsor, the city has been vital to CMCR’s existence and success. In addition to financial sponsorship, Costa Mesa does graphics for CMCR’s digital and print material. City personnel provide input as CMCR committee members. Beginning in 2015, the city’s recreation department introduced Happy Feet, a free program to train elementary school-aged children for CMCR’s 5k or fun run. Participants also receive free training shirts and free CMCR entries.
CMCR backers have grown to include public and community organizations and local businesses. Most notably, the Mesa Water District has provided financial and in-kind support, including free event advertisements in its water bills and event goodie bags. Mesa Water employees also serve on the CMCR committee. Costa Mesa’s Emergency Service Amateur Communications provides radio communication at the event, and the Costa Mesa Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) offers emergency services.
Various local groups participate in CMCR. Costa Mesa Senior Center will have 15 seniors walking. Costa Mesa police and fire Explorers will run together. Costa Mesa neighborhood groups are registering online together. Online registrants are competing for the “hog pass,” a dinner for 10 donated by Newport Rib Company, to be awarded to the largest group of online registrants.
CMCR has also had success on its fund raising goal. CMCR has donated more than $125,000 to Costa Mesa schools.
“Money donated to secondary schools has been used to pay anything from SAT or ACT classes, to new computers, athletics and books,” Barloon explained. “Elementary schools have used their donation for running club coaches, playground equipment or other expenses not covered by the district.”
To register and for event details, visit costamesacommunityrun.com.
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Newport Exchange Clubs Field of Honor
The 7th annual Field of Honor will take place from May 20 to 22 at Castaways Park. The park’s stunning view of Newport Harbor will be even more spectacular with 1,776 American flags waving in honor of armed forces members past and present.
At 10 a.m. May 20, more than 700 Newport-Mesa Unified students will participate in a dedication ceremony featuring patriotic activities. A Wells Fargo stagecoach will lead a parade the next day, followed by local dignitaries and military personnel. The event’s net proceeds benefit organizations supporting military members and local charities. To dedicate a flag or for event details, visit nhexchange.net.
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Benefiting Teens Aging Out of Foster Care
On May 7, at the Westin South Coast Plaza, the nonprofit Teen Project will host its third annual fashion show to raise awareness and funds for teens aging out of foster care.
Newport-Mesa’s Teens for the Teen Project, a local group of mothers and teen daughters, present the fundraiser on behalf of Teen Project. The mothers manage the fashion show while their more than 40 teen and foster daughters walk the runway donning the latest fashions from premier South Coast Plaza retailers.
“It has been such a blessing that this has raised enough money to support the entire Orange County operation for a full year — an unprecedented fundraising achievement for the Teen Project,” said project founder Lauri Burns. “This year, we hope to reach that goal again and also raise additional funds to provide Orange County teens with free drug treatment at our Freehab facility.”
To donate or purchase tickets, visit theteenprojectfashionshowbenefit.com. To learn more about the Teen Project, visit theteenproject.com.