By Erik Chalhoub, Managing Editor
It was a good weekend for fundraising in the Pajaro Valley and surrounding area.
The Human Race Walkathon and Fun Run kicked things off Saturday on West Cliff Drive, where organizers say it was an historic year for the annual fundraiser. According to the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, the race was expected to generate well over $300,000, with more than 2,000 people participating in the event.
That’s huge for the numerous nonprofits, schools, community groups and more across the county that depend on the generosity from the community to continue to exist and make an impact on those they serve.
The same day, the World’s Biggest Garage Sale at Twin Lakes Church benefited Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County and Teen Challenge Monterey Bay. It may or may not be the “world’s biggest” garage sale, but there is no denying the enormous amount of funds it raises on a yearly basis: the sale typically nets more than $60,000.
On Sunday was the Mother’s Day Run/Walk for Shelter, a Watsonville favorite that benefits Pajaro Valley Shelter Services. Nearly 600 runners raised $65,000 for PVSS this year.
There was a lot of money being thrown around this weekend — it’s a good thing it was all for a good cause.
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Thanks to everyone who came out to the Pajaronian’s website launch event on Thursday. It was great to show everyone about the upgrades we made and gather feedback.
What I’m most excited about the new website is the fact that we are updating it on a daily basis, giving our readers the most up-to-date local news.
The website is still evolving, so please feel free to contact me with any feedback, and I’ll forward it on to the site’s designers.
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Get ready for “Pomp and Circumstance.” Yes, it’s that time of the year again, when soon-to-be graduates zip up their gowns, straighten out their caps and make sure their tassels are on the correct side (is it right or left? I can never remember, despite marching in three graduations myself). Cabrillo College is up first on Friday.
I always get nostalgic around this time. It’s now been a little more than a decade since I graduated from high school, and eight and six years since I graduated from Cabrillo College and UC Santa Cruz, respectively.
Congratulations to all the graduates. And thanks for making me feel old.
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Erik Chalhoub can be reached at ec*******@pa********.com or 761-7353.
