Community runs in support of foster kids

The community came out in support of kids at the 5 th Annual Sunny’s 5K Run and 1 Mile walk event on Saturday morning in Imperial.

This was a joint event by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Sun Valley Behavioral Medical Center.

CASA Executive Director Alex Cardenas said, “We had over 250 participants in our 5K run that is bringing awareness to improving the lives of foster children here in imperial county.”

The event raised money to help over400 foster kids in the area.

“They experience some of the most traumatic events in their lives. And we’re here to improve that.”

Cardenas said CASA provides key therapeutic services to these kids.

“To help mitigate some of the trauma, a lot of that is done through recreational and educational opportunities, whether it’s equestrian therapy of just providing overall advocacy for support for children that are experiencing this huge crisis in their life while in foster care. And the money that we raise, which was over 8,400 dollars, is used for recreational and educational purposes.”

Sun Valley Psychiatrist Bernardo Ng said they’ve partnered with CASA for the past five years.

“Who do a great job with our foster children and with the funds raised at this race, it’s to help them enjoy activities that help prevent mental illness,” Ng said.

Cardenas said, “they’ve been an excellent partner to casa in helping us raise money to improve the lives of foster children.”

CASA is always looking for more help. They’re at 229 S. 8 th Street, Suite B, in El Centro.

“We can guide them, direct them to the appropriate folks that help and improve the lives of foster children,” Cardenas said.

Please watch our newscast for more information.