Teenagers sometimes get a bad rap for being disengaged with society and obsessed with video games.
Then there are kids such as Sunnyvale resident Ken Saxton, who puts those stereotypes to rest. Through his leadership in the Summer Youth Volunteer Club of West Valley Community Services, the recently turned 16-year-old has organized an event that will combine physical fitness and community service as well as raise awareness about the hard times facing local residents.
The Summer Youth Club will host the first WVCS 5K Charity Fun Run/Walk on Nov. 5 at the Los Gatos Creek County Park. More than 100 people have already registered, and that number is expected to at least double or triple by race day.
Ken is a student at Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, where he also competes in track and cross country, so the idea to put together a running-related event came naturally. But he says the real theme of the 5K is not athletic ability but community support.
“This charity event is oriented toward families and will help raise money for those struggling within our community,” Ken said. “We hope that this event will also spread awareness about WVCS’s services for those less fortunate.”
WVCS serves more than 4,000 individuals and families annually in Cupertino, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga, West San Jose and the surrounding mountain regions.
Ken, who began volunteering with the organization last year, says many West Valley residents are unaware of the challenges facing their neighbors.
“Many people think our community is affluent, but unfortunately there are a lot of impoverished people,” he said. “Especially during these times, there are a lot of people struggling.”
All of the proceeds from the event will go directly toward the services provided by WVCS.
Pre-registration for the 5K Charity Fun Run/Walk is $15 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and younger. On race day, each price goes up by $5.
For more information and to register for the 5K Charity Fun Run/Walk, visit www.wvcommunityservices.org.
