The members of Santee Girl Scout Troop 6173 were among the 8,000 participants and supporters gathered in Balboa Park recently for a morning of fitness, fun, hope and inspiration. The 5th annual Finish Chelsea’s Run 5K in Partnership with Girl Scouts San Diego brought community together as one “voice” to share their commitment to creating positive change for children.
The members of Santee Girl Scout Troop 6173 were among the 8,000 participants and supporters gathered in Balboa Park recently for a morning of fitness, fun, hope and inspiration. The 5th annual Finish Chelsea’s Run 5K in Partnership with Girl Scouts San Diego brought community together as one “voice” to share their commitment to creating positive change for children.
Held on March 7, run/walk is the primary fundraiser for the Chelsea’s Light Foundation’s Sunflower Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to San Diego County college-bound teens who embrace characteristics that reflect Chelsea King’s thirst for knowledge, service-over-self-ethic, and indomitable spirit. In 2014, more than 7,000 participants ran and walked to help raise funds, which fueled over $85,000 in Sunflower Scholarships and the Foundation’s efforts to continue the expansion of Chelsea’s Law. Additional financial sponsorship from Bridgepoint Education, Wells Fargo, Chick-fil-A Carmel Mountain and Clark Cares Foundation provides the Foundation the ability to recognize these outstanding students. Girl Scouts San Diego will also receive proceeds to help keep Girl Scouting available and affordable for 40,000 local girl and adult members.
“More than anything, this event is about hope. Hope that, as an engaged community, we will make a difference. Hope that amazing teens have the opportunity to pursue their college dreams. Hope that children throughout the nation will have the same protections we have in California as a result of Chelsea’s Law,” said Brent King, Chelsea King’s father and co-founder of Chelsea’s Light Foundation.
This is the second year Girl Scouts San Diego has hosted the event. “Girl Scouts and Chelsea’s Light Foundation share a common vision of recognizing and supporting young people who make the world a better place,” said Girl Scouts San Diego CEO Jo Dee C. Jacob. ”Chelsea was a Girl Scout, and this event is a wonderful way for our members to honor her memory.”
Centered around a scenic 5K race and fun run/walk and alternate “Short and Sweet” one-mile course, this environmentally friendly event featured a post-race Family Festival, hands-on activities for all ages, live entertainment by the Makepeace Brothers, Jamba Juice smoothies for all finishers, and more.
Finish Chelsea’s Run is powered by the generous support many local businesses, including Bridgepoint Education, Clark Cares Foundation, KyXy 96.5, NBC 7, Wells Fargo, and Chick-fil-A Carmel Mountain Ranch.
Based in San Diego, Chelsea’s Light Foundation (www.chelseaslight.org) was created in 2010 by Kelly and Brent in honor of their daughter Chelsea King. The mission of the volunteer-driven organization is to unite and lead people who are passionate about protecting children and inspiring positive change in their communities. Chelsea’s Light Foundation is committed to taking Chelsea’s Law nationwide, awarding college scholarships to service-minded high school students, and “seeding” with leadership and financial support new and existing Peer Corps programs in San Diego high schools.
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouting provides the nation’s best leadership experience for girls. Through Girl Scouts, girls discover themselves, connect with others, and take action to make the world a better place. Girl Scouts San Diego (www.sdgirlscouts.org) provides relevant activities for girls, trains volunteers, and maintains two camps and four program and service facilities. To learn more about Girl Scouting opportunities for girls and adult volunteers, call
(619) 610-0702 or visit membership@sdgirlscouts.org.
