Raising $40,000 to keep Annadel open
Organizers of the Annadel Half-Marathon, set for April 14, have a plan to raise at least $40,000 to help keep the state park in Santa Rosa open.
The group has initiated a challenge grant fundraiser, promising to donate at least $20,000 while spearheading a campaign to get the public to match that amount.
“This is the third year we’ve put on the race and we’re confident we’ll be able raise $20,000 and likely more,” said Matt Schiffer, one of the seven organizers. “If public donations match that amount, it will mean at least $40,000 going into the fund to keep the park open.”
Besides the entry fees, money will be raised from refreshments, booth rentals and a raffle. Also, every year organizers put together training groups with runners paying for instruction.
Partnering with the Annadel Half-Marathon in promoting the challenge grant are the Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation and the Parks Alliance for Sonoma County.
Donations can be made online at sonoma-county.org/parks/foundation or by mailing a check to:
Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation, 2300 County Center Dr., Suite 120A, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. Donors should specify the contribution is for Annadel.
In a budget-cutting move, Gov. Jerry Brown plans to close Annadel and other parks throughout the state on July 1.
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has opened negotiations with state officials to assume responsibility for upkeep and security of the 5,092-acre park on the east side of town.
Registration for the 13.1-mile event is now open (visit annadelhalf.com) and will be closed when 400 runners have signed up. There is also a shorter run being offered in conjunction with the half-marathon. That is the 5k Kathy’s Race.
“Members of Sonoma County’s running community are passionate about this amazing park,” said Marc Strozyk, a founder of the race and a member of the planning committee.
“It’s beautiful and a varied place to run and train. We want to do our part to ensure that Annadel remains open and well-maintained for the enjoyment of everyone in the Santa Rosa community for many years into the future.”
Since its inception in 2010, the Annadel Half-Marathon has raised approximately $50,000 to help the state maintain the park.
Besides Strozyk and Schiffer, the remaining organizers of the race are: Halley Eppinger, Hank & Tawnya Nason, Rhonda Roman and Val Sell.
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