Sheriff’s Office reaches out to those in need
15th annual “Ride & Run with the Stars” fundraiser is Dec. 6
By SUZETTE PORTER
| Article published on Monday, Dec. 1, 2008 |
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![[Image]](/content_images/120108_pco-01.jpg) |
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| Photo courtesy of the SHERIFF’S OFFICE |
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| Cyclists line up at the start of a past “Ride & Run with the Stars.” |
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PINELLAS COUNTY - The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office “Ride & Run with the Stars” was born 15 years ago sparked by a need to do more to help people during the holidays.
This year’s fundraiser is Saturday, Dec. 6, at Fort DeSoto Park, near Tierra Verde and just off the Bayway. Events begin at 8 a.m. Registration opens at 7 a.m.
The goal is to raise $25,000 to $30,000 to buy food, clothing and toys for disadvantaged children, crime victims and families in need.
Last year, the program served about 300 families and 1,000 children, said Marianne Pasha, public information coordinator with the sheriff’s office.
The annual fundraiser began out of necessity, she said.
“The way all this started, 15 years ago, came out of victim’s advocates essentially passing the hat to help their families. It was all very informal,” she said. “Then in 1993, two lieutenants, now retired, who were cycling enthusiasts had the idea to have a fundraising event between us (the sheriff’s office) and the public to raise money.”
They took the idea to sponsor a law enforcement coordinated event to the sheriff, who at that time was Everett Rice, who gave it his approval.
Pasha said the event has grown from less than 100 to more than 600 participants.
“It’s now one of the largest law enforcement holiday event fundraisers,” she said.
Advance registration for this year’s event is $20. On the day of the event, registration is $25. To register or for more information, call Capt. Teri Dioquino at 727-582-6301 or visit RideandRunwiththeStars.com.
Family fun is the focus of the fundraiser, which includes cycling, running and walking events, as well as a silent auction, a free kid’s bike rodeo, climbing wall, law enforcement displays, food and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will arrive by sheriff’s helicopter.
Participants will receive a long-sleeve logo shirt, food and giveaways. Children who are pre-registered for the bike rodeo or are accompanied by a registered adult will receive a “Ride & Run with the Stars” T-shirt.
Planning for the big event begins a year in advance, Pasha said. The sheriff’s office coordinates the event through a standing committee and a board of directors. She said a number of business partners also sit on the board. The chairperson is an employee of the sheriff’s office.
She said money also is raised through money and other donations. For example she said one company donates bicycles and is expected to donate close to 100 this year. Sponsors also donate the T-shirts and food for the event.
“Our donors are all kinds of wonderful folks,” she said.
To make a donation, call 727-582-6301 or visit RideandRunwiththeStars.com.
Pasha said the selection of who to help starts with an internal application process. The recipients are recommended by sheriff’s office employees who work with the public and see the need, including victim’s advocates, school resource officers, youth services employees, child protection officers, investigators and others.
“Our deputies see people who need help and recommend them,” she said. “They also help them fill out the application.”
The applicants are screened to make sure the need is genuine,” Pasha said.
“These days there are so many willing to help; we want to make sure their donation goes to people who truly need the help,” she said.
Next the families and children make a wish list.
“Most of these children don’t ask for toys,” Pasha said. “The wish lists include socks, underwear, tennis shoes.”
The week after “Ride & Run with the Stars,” deputies go shopping. Pasha said in past years, they had gone shopping at Target. This year, they plan to go to Wal-Mart.
She said deputies take a wish list and buy as much on it as possible. Then they return for the next wish list. She said a certain amount of money is allocated for each age group.
She said they don’t purchase electronic or big-ticket items to ensure that the money goes as far as possible.
“We’ll spend every dime as fast as we can,” she said. “We can spend $25,000 in about three hours.”
The gifts - clothing and toys - along with food coupons and gift wrapping supplies are packaged up and deputies in uniform play Santa, delivering the gifts in their cruisers, or families can pick up the gifts at the sheriff’s office if they prefer.
“Some deputies add a little something extra out of their pocket, such as a Christmas tree or a food gift care,” she said.
The gift-giving program is a big deal to sheriff’s employees, Pasha said.
“When we start getting thank you notes from the children and parents, we see the difference we can make,” she said.
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Article published on Monday, Dec. 1, 2008
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