On Saturday, March 7, approximately 350 individuals participated in Habitat for Humanity’s (HFH) biggest fund raiser of the year, which was held at Diamond Valley Lake. The event, sponsored by San Jacinto Medical Urgent Care, featured a full marathon, half marathon, 5k walk/run, 1k “kid” walk/run and a senior walk/run.

The event attracted marathon enthusiasts from all over-as far as the Bay Area-many of whom took part in the full 25.4 miles surrounding Diamond Valley Lake, while others enjoyed the half marathon, 5k and 1k run/walk. Weather was ideal for the event and highlighted the valleys surrounding beauty.

The fundraiser was met with positive public spirit in helping the non-profit fulfill its mission to build homes, communities and hope.

“There are so many families that need the help,” says Mr. Lakshman Koka, volunteer President for HFH, Hemet / San Jacinto.

HFH is a non-profit dedicated to improving living conditions for those in sub-standard housing who cannot afford improvements through traditional methods. Their objective is to eliminate poverty housing and make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action within the Valley.

Koka has been involved in HFH for sixteen years and gains a deep sense of fulfillment in being a part of its mission, especially in working with families with kids.

“The most satisfying thing is when we build a house. One of the things I love doing is handing out the keys. I say, ‘who wants the keys?’ and every time it’s the kid who grabs them.”

HFH Treasurer, Karena Zermino says, “Truly, the passion comes from the Koka family . . . without Mr. Koka, Dr. Koka and SJ Medical Clinic, this could not be what it is today.”

Without the annual marathon, it would be difficult for HFH in Hemet / San Jacinto to fulfill its mission and continue gaining momentum in the community. The project is always seeking more support from the community, the county and the people who are avid marathon and half-marathon runners.

For more information on Diamond Valley Lake Marathon, visit www.dvlrun.com

For information on Habitat for Humanity Hemet / San Jacinto, visit www.hemetsanjacintohfh.org

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Valley-Wide’s annual 5-K Family Fun run Turkey Trot to be held on Nov. 23

Registration is under way for the annual Turkey Trot 5K Family Fun Run which will take place Saturday, Nov. 23 at Valley-Wide Recreation and Park’s District’s Diamond Valley Lake Community Park in Hemet..

Check-in begins at 8 a.m. with the Gobble Trot for children 2 to 5 years old at 9 a.m. The 1K trot for children 5 to 12 starts at 9:15, with the 5K walk at 9:45 and the 5K Trot at 10.

The first 50 people to register for the 5K will get a free T-Shirt,  Awards will be given out for various age categories.

The cost is $5 for Gobble Trot, $7 for the 1K and $10 for the 5K walk or run if paid by Nov. 21. The price increases to $8, $10 and $15 on race day.

Activities begin near the soccer fields at the park, 1801 Angler Ave. Information and registration, 951-929-0047 or 951-927-6673 or online at gorecreation.org.

The Turkey Trot is organized by Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District, which operates 86 parks and community centers in Menifee, French Valley, Hemet, San Jacinto and Sage.

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NAMIWalks Inland Empire raises funds at Diamond Valley Lake Marina

More than 1,800 enthusiastic walkers were given a beautiful day and afforded a fantastic view of the Diamond Valley Lake Marina, as they stretched and readied themselves to take part in the 14th annual NAMIWalks Inland Empire walk.

As one walker said, “We’re walking to increase the awareness of and to reduce the stigma associated with mental health.”

Walkers were treated to food stalls, fruit stalls, bottled water and dozens of educational and information booths as well.

“We’re here to raise awareness of mental health and the stigma associated with it,” said NAMIWalks and NAMI-San Jacinto Executive Director, Brenda Scott, explaining, “if a person has a physical ailment, such as a heart condition or a broken arm, we don’t whisper or make off-color jokes: we’re there with care and compassion. We have to learn to afford those dealing with mental health challenges the same type of empathy and compassion.”

Ms. Maria Jones and her family came to the walk all dressed in pink T-shirts as a sign of solidarity. They were thankful to have an organization such as NAMI: some enthusiastically drove more than two hours to reach the site.. “I came here because of my family and all our families: we all deal with this issue and we have to realize that it affects every family,” said Mrs Jones, adding, “we raised $400, and we were proud to have done so. Some of our family here drove all the way from Long Beach.”

The weather also cooperated to give walkers a beautiful warm and lightly breezy day as boaters carved paths on the surface of the serene, picturesque Diamond Valley Lake.

Marlene Hagen, Director for Children and Family Services in San Bernardino County was very excited to be a part of the walk. “I and my staff are here today because we want to support all of our foster families and all of our caregivers, relatives and kinship caregivers that are caring for our children, some, of whom suffer from mental illness, due to trauma they have experienced in their young lives. We want to make sure that we’re here to support them and to learn more about what they need in terms of support from us,” said Hagen. Even though this is the first year of CFS-San Bernardino involvement, they can tell that this was a very well-planned event. “I think the organization (NAMI) is great. They’ve been so welcoming. If it weren’t for Brenda and her board members, I don’t know that we would have understood what it meant to support NAMI, so it’s been wonderful.”

The NAMIWalk has drawn more walkers, supporters and booths every year, so supporters are already excitedly looking forward to what NAMI has planned for next year.  “It’s still a bit early, but I believe we achieved our financial goal.”  Those who know Brenda Scott and NAMI-San Jacinto know that this organization always succeeds in all its plans.

Those interested in supporting NAMI may do so at namimtsanjacinto.org

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