CVNL Press Release: 2016 Bay Area Human Race a Pillar for the Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2016

Media Contacts:

Linda Davis
CEO
415.479.5710 x300
ldavis@cvnl.org

or

Peter Rodgers
Director of Marketing & Communications
415.713.0235
prodgers@cvnl.org

Photos available upon request.

2016 Bay Area Human Race a Pillar for the Community

More than 1000 people participated in the Race — over $250K raised to date this year — more than $7.7M over its 34-year history

SAN RAFAEL & NAPA, CA — On Saturday, May 7th, 2016, Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) hosted the Bay Area Human Race — a critical fundraiser, advocacy tool, and community-building event open to all nonprofits and schools. This year, CVNL expanded the Marin Human Race to include Marin, Napa and San Francisco counties — renaming it the CVNL Bay Area Human Race™. “This event has become a pillar of support for nonprofits that depend on the funds to deliver critical services,” said Linda Jacobs Davis, CEO of CVNL. “We are pleased to be an inclusive event that welcomes all nonprofits, schools, and community groups throughout the Bay Area.”

On cool morning through a few drops of rain, 1,154 runers, walkers, kid racers, dog walkers, and wheelchair participants came together in high spirits at the Marin Center Fairgrounds to celebrate. Since the Kick-Off Event in February, 72 teams have fundraised for 53 nonprofits, and to date have raised $266,906. “The 2016 Bay Area Human Race was an awesome community event,” said Kate O’Conor, Director of Services at Lifehouse. “The Lifehouse Team had 95 members this year and raised over $13,000 to support people with disabilities to have independent lives. We look forward to next year!”

CVNL emphasized going “green” on Race Day, being sure to include more recycle and compost bins through their partnership with North Bay Conservation Corps and Marin Sanitary. ExtraFood.org arrived shortly after the Race ended to pick up leftover food, delivering it to St. Vincent’s to serve people in need. Refillable water stations provided by US Pure Water lined the racecourse, and CVNL sponsor, Bradley Real Estate, passed out complimentary water bottles. Additionally, water cups at every station and at the finish line were compostable and biodegradable, generously provided by World Centric.

From supporting those with disabilities, people advocating for animals, to those seeking to increase access to education — the Bay Area Human Race welcomed and honored important work being done to better our communities. With 78 volunteers supporting everything from racecourse set-up to t-shirt distribution, this annual event has become a tradition for many families who volunteer together. Richard De Ramon, Manager of the Redwood Credit Union Novato Branch and Race Sponsor, had this to say: “The Human Race is one of Redwood Credit Union’s primary fundraising events each year. We love that it allows our employees to raise funds for the nonprofit of their choice, and it’s a great way to interact with other groups and individuals who are passionate about making a difference in our community.”

The Community Village featured 67 nonprofits and businesses that showcased programs and services benefitting the community – everything from “the Halleck Creek Ranch horse,” to summer Spanish language camps, to Kaiser Permanente’s sunscreen bar. Coupled with the warm-up provided by Kaia Fit in San Rafael and My School InMotion, Inc., the national anthem performed by Singers Marin, Kid’s Zone and jumpy houses, 5 local musicians, free Red Whale Coffee, and the CVNL board of directors serving a pancake breakfast, the Community Village was the central place to experience the collective impact.

Thanks to its sponsors and in-kind donors, CVNL is able to produce the event and provide an important platform where organizations can highlight their mission and raise money with minimal effort, and maximum fun. Sponsors include: Marin Community Foundation, County of Marin, Marin Independent Journal, Bradley Real Estate, FlipCause, Good Earth Natural Foods, Kaiser Permanente, Milagro Foundation, Marin ACE, Marshall Arts, and Redwood Credit Union. In-kind sponsors include, Bright Star Security Inc., Clover Stornetta, Ghilotti Brothers, Jubilee Jumps, Las Gallinas Lions Club, Marin Photography Club, Marin Sanitary, Noah’s Bagels, Red Whale Coffee, Revolution Foods, Unicorn Group, US Pure Water, West End Café, and World Centric.

Direct link to the CVNL Bay Area Human Race Page.

About the CVNL Bay Area Human Race
Since 1982, the Bay Area Human Race, produced by Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL), has been a critical fundraiser for many nonprofits. An established icon in the community, the race has raised over $7.7 million dollars for nearly 2,000 local nonprofits over the past 34 years. Race day features a fun and energizing 5K run/walk at the historic Marin County Civic Center lagoon park and fairgrounds, including music, Kids Races and activities, a dog walk, the Community Village Fair and a pancake breakfast. The event is open to everyone — and the entire community is invited to participate. Hundreds of volunteers, spectators and supporters donate to causes and contribute to the success.

About CVNL
Since 1964, the national award-wining Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) has advanced nonprofits and volunteerism by strengthening leadership, encouraging inovation, and empowering individuals throughout the Bay Area. CVNL knows that passion alone isn’t enough when it comes to creating strong nonprofits. CVNL works with aspiring and established leaders every day to help them build the skills and connections that can take their impact to the next level — offering comprehensive programs including education, executive search, consulting, leadership training and recognition. CVNL has a rich history of promoting volunteerism, offering easy-to-access, meaningful opportunities to individuals, families, groups, and businesses. CVNL believes that with confident and prepared leaders, our nonprofits will be better equipped to create healthy, happy communities. CVNL has served the Bay Area continuously for more than 50 years and expanded to Napa County in July 2014.

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