Santa Clarita Boys & Girls Club held a Jog-A-Thon Saturday to help reopen its arts center. 

The Santa Clarita Boys & Girls Club ran, jogged and walked Saturday morning on Hart High School’s track to raise money for reopening their recently closed arts center.

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More than 50 participants started running at approximately 10 a.m. and together accumulated a total of 77.75 miles around the track. Each lap added to the overall fundraising total as sponsors gave an individually chosen amount for each lap their runner completed.

Matthew Nelson, Branch Manager of the Santa Clarita Boys & Girls Club, said the event was an important first step for meeting the clubs fundraising goals.

“Back in September we had to close down the arts center,” Nelson said. “This is our first of many [fundraising] events to come. The parent’s committee has been very helpful and we have talked about a possible pancake fundraiser in the future.”

Related Article: Newhall Boys & Girls Club To Hold Fundraiser For Art Program

Cecil Hammock, Athletic Director for the Santa Clarita Boys & Girls Club, voiced his moral support for the participants over a loudspeaker, and provided entertainment in the interim with his dance moves.

“This is about family,” Hammock said. “I love the club and I love what we do for the children. I love helping to instill the values of responsibility and respect in the children.”

The runners, aged between 6 and 21, were joined by friends and family for portions of the run, while some chose to simply cheer everyone on from the sidelines.

Over $1100 was raised today alone, with donations still coming in. An additional $1500 was donated before today’s run.

Noelle Chadbourne, volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club, was happy with the events success and thankful for the community’s support

“We had an awesome turnout for the first year,” Chadbourne said. “There was a solid amount of support from the staff and parents. It was good to see everyone come together and support the club for an hour.”

Donations are still being accepted and those interested are urged to contact Chadbourne on behalf of the club at nchadbournebgc@gmail.com.

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