9th Annual Foster5K Race + Kids Dash: Run for a Cause, Support Foster Youth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Vik Ghai | info@foster5k.org 

Milpitas, CA: Join us at the 9th Annual Foster5K + Kids Dash, a cornerstone event in Silicon Valley dedicated to championing the cause of foster kids in Santa Clara County. This year’s event promises to be bigger and more impactful than ever, featuring both in-person and virtual participation options to expand our reach and support for foster kids.

Event Highlights: 

This event continues to stand as a beacon of hope demonstrating our community’s resilience and commitment to supporting foster kids. All proceeds support Child Advocates of Silicon Valley (CASV) and its Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program, making a direct impact on the lives of foster youth in Santa Clara County.  Building on last year’s success, the Foster5K features a chip-timed race and a Kids Dash, making the event enjoyable for walkers, joggers and serious runners of all ages. In 2024, we saw unprecedented community support with 400 participants coming together to make a difference in the lives of foster kids.

The Kids Dash:

The committee is especially excited about the Kids Dash, a fun-filled event designed just for kids. This untimed fun run features an 800M Big Kids Dash for youth ages 6-10 and a 250M Little Kids Dash for children ages 5 and under. The Kids Dash focuses on fun, movement and participation. Whether sprinting, jogging or skipping to the finish line, every child is a winner and receives the same medal as 5K participants plus a special goodie bag in this celebratory run!

“We’ve been building the Foster5K since before the pandemic and want it to be an enjoyable experience for the whole family,” said Foster5K founder, Debbie Crouse. “The Kids Dash is all about fun, inclusion and inspiring the next generation of runners.  It’s a perfect complement to the timed race.”

After the Kids Dash, families and runners can enjoy the post-race party!  This 5K isn’t just about hitting the pavement – it’s a celebration packed with DJ beats, top runner prizes, cool raffle prizes, and family-oriented activities bringing the whole community together. By joining Foster5K you’re not just running or walking; you’re partying for a cause, all while championing the incredible kids in foster care who are supported by Child Advocates of Silicon Valley’s (CASV) Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program.

Event Leaders and Sponsors:

This year’s event is proudly led by our dedicated committee co-chairs, Tony Rangel and Ehi Oiyemhonlan, whose commitment to foster kids exemplifies the spirit of Child Advocates’ mission. Tony Rangel, Board of Directors member and Officer at CASV and Senior Market Development Director at Celestica, brings his strategic vision and passion for helping underserved communities overcome obstacles. “Our mission goes beyond organizing a race – it’s about creating lasting impact in the lives of foster kids,” says Rangel.

Ehi Oiyemhonlan, Board of Directors member, Programs Committee Member and CASA Volunteer at CASV combines his professional expertise as a Product Development Engineer at Intel Corporation with his dedication to supporting foster kids. As a dedicated CASA volunteer, Ehi has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of consistent adult support in foster kids’ lives. His strategic thinking and ability to drive initiatives while building strong community relationships have been instrumental in expanding the event’s reach and impact. “This event brings the community together in a meaningful way to bring awareness to our most vulnerable youth in Santa Clara County. It’s a day riddled with laughter, joy, happiness, and love for all mankind,” says Ehi.   

A special thank you to all our sponsors whose support continues to amplify our impact in the community and the lives of our foster youth in Santa Clara County. From industry leaders like BMC Software and Rubrik to local businesses and individual donors whose generosity enables us to provide crucial support and resources to foster kids in our community.

Frederick J. Ferrer, CEO of CASV, emphasizes the event’s significance: “The Foster5K represents the power of community action. Whether participants join us at Martial Cottle Park or virtually from their neighborhoods, each step taken supports our mission of providing vital advocacy and support to foster kids.”

Martial Cottle Park remains a perfect venue for the event;  offering paved trails, historic farmlands, and innovative organic farms that create an inspiring backdrop for our event. The park’s celebration of resilience, sustainability, and community education perfectly aligns with our mission to support and empower foster kids.

About CASV: 

Child Advocates of Silicon Valley is an independent nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization created in 1986. We serve children aged from birth to 21 years old who are placed in foster care in Santa Clara County for having experienced trauma in the form of abuse, neglect and/or abandonment. We are responsible for operating the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program in Santa Clara County, which entails recruiting, training and supporting CASA Volunteers according to the National CASA Association standards. To learn more, please visit ChildAdvocatesSV.org.

For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact the committee at info@foster5K.org.