In a festive display of holiday spirit, 5,000 participants donned Santa costumes for the 20th annual Great Santa Run in Las Vegas, raising over $16,596 for Opportunity Village, a non-profit supporting individuals with disabilities.The event, which took place on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, featured both a five-kilometer run and a one-mile walk, attracting participants from across the United States. Laura Foster, communications director for Opportunity Village, emphasized the joy and community engagement fostered by the event, which has become a cherished tradition.With activities including encounters with reindeer and elves, the Great Santa Run not only promotes a good cause but also embodies the festive spirit of the season, making it a must-attend event for families and friends alike.
The Great Santa Run: A Festive Fundraising Tradition in las Vegas
Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Laura Foster, the communications director for Possibility Village, about the recent 20th annual Great santa Run in Las Vegas. This event not only symbolizes the holiday spirit but also plays a crucial role in supporting peopel with disabilities. Laura, thank you for joining us!
Laura Foster: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share more about this marvelous event.
Editor: The Great santa Run attracted around 5,000 participants this year—what an notable turnout! Can you tell us a bit about how the event has evolved over the years?
Laura Foster: Absolutely. The Great Santa run began 20 years ago as a small community gathering. Over time, it has transformed into a beloved tradition, featuring both a five-kilometer run and a one-mile walk. It draws participants from all over the United States, and this year, we raised over $16,596 for Opportunity Village, which is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Editor: That’s incredible! The funds raised are essential for your programs. Could you elaborate on how this event impacts Opportunity Village and the people you serve?
Laura Foster: Definately.the money raised during the Great Santa Run helps us sustain numerous programs aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities.These funds allow us to provide job training, workshops, and community activities. More than just fundraising, the event fosters a spirit of community and joy, as families and friends come together to support a good cause.
Editor: It sounds like a fantastic way to engage the community. I noticed that there are activities like encounters with reindeer and elves. How do these activities enhance the overall experience for participants?
Laura Foster: The additional festive activities create a joyful atmosphere that resonates with the holiday spirit. Families love it! By offering interactive experiences like meeting reindeer and elves, we make the event not just a run but a full holiday celebration. it encourages more people to participate, especially those with children, making it a memorable outing that combines fitness and fun.
Editor: it’s great to see an event that blends fitness with community engagement. With it being such a cherished tradition, what advice would you give to other organizations looking to host similar fundraising events?
Laura Foster: First and foremost, focus on community engagement.Create an experience that appeals to a broad audience, including families and children. Incorporate fun activities paired with your fundraising goals. Make sure to promote your cause transparently so participants understand the impact of their involvement. Lastly,build partnerships with local businesses and sponsors to enhance your reach and resources.
Editor: Those are valuable insights, Laura. The Great Santa Run not only highlights the importance of community support but also reinforces how local events can bring joy and make a difference. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers about this year’s run or future events?
Laura Foster: I want to emphasize how grateful we are for all the participants and volunteers who made this event possible.Each participant plays a vital role in helping us fulfill our mission. We look forward to next year’s run and hope to see even more Santas on the strip!
Editor: Thank you, Laura, for sharing your insights on the Great Santa Run. It’s inspiring to see how such events can bring communities together while supporting vital causes.
laura Foster: Thank you for having me! Happy holidays to everyone!