Spring Clean/Human Race

This past weekend was Spring Clean, which is a large volunteer day in Santa Rosa. Last year alone, they had over 2600 volunteers. They participated in a variety of activities to help clean and beautify Santa Rosa. There were over 50 different projects around the city that people could work on. Some of us from United Way participate at Southwest Community Park, where we put down new layers of bark surrounding the park, as well as picked up trash, weeded and mowed the grass. I was surprised at the amount of people there, and it was just one specific event. The kick-off was at Finley earlier in the morning, and then from there we dispersed into our different volunteer locations. The only downfall to Spring Clean this year was that it was raining. Who would have thought it May it would be raining! To show their dedication for the local community, volunteers still participated and gave back, despite the bad weather.

This coming weekend, May 9th, is the annual Human Race, held at Spring Lake in Santa Rosa. This event is usually used as a fundraiser for local companies to get donations through a variety of different ways, and to also have fun participating in the race. The Human Race is a very family fun event, with costume contests and t-shirt design winners, there are activities and entertainment for everyone. Following the race there is a large "fair" where different companies have booths set up. This year me and the other intern get to participate, by being active and vocal in spreading awareness about United Way. We are going to focus on our newest initiative 2-1-1, and well as Healthy Kids, since there will be many families and children there. I was also fortunate enough to attend the "Breakfast of Champions" back in February, which was the kick-off breakfast for the Human Race. There were hundreds of people there representing their companies, and they also had a few different guest speakers. I can't believe the event is already here, but I am excited! Never having been to the Human Race before it should be a lot of fun. It is the largest fundraiser in Sonoma County, so there should be thousands on people there! Hope to see you there!