As a fundraiser for the Y’s Open Doors program, the YMCA Run or Walk 5K event will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday Aug. 15, 2015 at the Ventura Family YMCA. Participants may register on-line, in person at the Ventura Family YMCA or on the morning of the race.

The Y works to ensure that everyone is given an equal opportunity at having membership regardless of income. With the help of the community, the YMCA Run or Walk 5K fundraiser will give others that opportunity, allowing them to participate in the Y’s membership programs such as child care, summer camps and swim lessons. To apply for financial assistance, the Open Doors Scholarship Application can be found on-line.

The financial assistance comes from community members, donors and fundraisers like the YMCA Run or Walk 5K event. At approximately 3.1 miles, this event not only raises money for the Open Doors program, but is also a great form of exercise. Marketing and Communications Director, Alicia Cattoni, says “We love our community so we’re encouraging people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life to join us. This is a great way to stay healthy, while also considering the importance of helping others because every donation goes back into the community. So bring your family, friends, and even your dog!”

Participants have the option of signing up individually or as a family, which would include two adults and any dependent children (up to six total). From now through August 1, the individual cost will be $35 and the family cost will be $75. However, from August 2 through August 14 the individual cost will be $40 and the family cost will be $85. The first 100 registrants will receive a T-shirt and goodie bag! There will also be over 20 raffle prizes, a breakfast, and live music. The race will start and end at the on-sight location of the Ventura Family YMCA and participants will be given a continental breakfast before the race begins.

Sponsors include: The Anchor Printing And Graphics Co., Union Bank, Pacific Western Bank, Barbarians, The Charles D. and Mary A. Bauer Foundation, Meridian Private Wealth Management, Inc., ProYo Frozen Yogurt, The River Community Church, Vendurance Sprots, and Ventura County Credit Union.

For more information about the YMCA Run or Walk 5K race, please contact Health and Wellness Director, Philipp Roye, at philipp.roye@ciymca.org or by calling 805.642.2131, ext. 20.

About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Ventura Family YMCA serves over 20,000 individuals annually through facility memberships, before & after school childcare, day & resident camps, youth sports, swim lessons, teen programs, and many more healthy lifestyles and community enriching programs which nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Through its’ Open Doors program, the Y ensures that no one is ever turned away due to their inability to pay and facility memberships without contracts or join fees makes the Y accessible to all. The Ventura Family YMCA is located at 3760 Telegraph Rd., Ventura, CA 93003. Log on to ciymca.org/ventura.