2003 Reindeer Crossing: The News

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Friday December 05, 2003 - The California Aggie

Reindeer Crossing to benefit holiday toy drive

By MORGAN KANNINEN
Aggie News Writer

Dec. 05, 2003 — Stampeding over Interstate 80 and the greenbelts of Putah Creek, 700 people will race to help needy children throughout Yolo County in the second annual Reindeer Crossing on Dec. 13.

Proceeds from the race will go to the "Santa for Kids" toy drive, said Jeannine Henderson, marketing director of A Change of Pace, which manages the event. In 2002, 350 people participated in the race, she said, either running or walking. She said more participants are expected because the race has had a year to benefit from word of mouth.

"Reindeer Crossing has greatly increased the number of children we can reach," said Dustin Nagrampa, president of Alpha Phi Omega, a coed fraternity on campus that coordinates the toy drive.

Alpha Phi Omega started "Santa for Kids" 10 years ago to benefit kids in Head Start in Yolo County, Nagrampa said. Head Start is a federal program that provides educational and social services to children under five years of age who come from disadvantaged families.

In 2002, Alpha Phi Omega approached A Change of Pace, which was looking for a winter event with an appropriate theme.

A Change of Pace donates the net proceeds and toys collected through a raffle. The amount donated depends on the number of participants, which numbered 350 in 2002. In that year, over $1,000 and $500 worth of toys were donated to the drive, Henderson said.

Nagrampa said they were able to offer holiday gifts to over 300 children in 2002. This year, he said they expect to help 400 to 500 kids.

Reindeer Crossing follows another charitable race, the Turkey Trot. A Change of Pace organizes both events, but Henderson said Reindeer Crossing has a more local feel. In November, the Turkey Trot brought approximately 4,100 participants and spectators to Davis—more than any year in the event´s history.

Henderson said that many considerations go into making Reindeer Crossing an experience worth repeating for its participants. The Davis Police collaborated on the design of the course and will manage traffic flow along streets. Alpha Phi Omega will staff aid stations and line the course to keep the route clear with 75 volunteers.

The race begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Davis Police Department. A kids´ quarter-mile race, the EggNog Jog, will start at 10 a.m. to give children a chance to stampede as well. Participants in the race can also qualify for a raffle by donating a $2 to $5 unwrapped toy. The top prize in the raffle is a $100 gift certificate to Fleet Feet Sports.

The day will end with results and raffle winners announced at 10:15 a.m.; eggnog, hot chocolate and coffee provided to participants and attendees.

Registration costs $20 for Reindeer Crossing and $12 for the EggNog Jog. Fees include water, refreshments and an event T-shirt.

Entry forms are available at Fleet Feet on Second Street and at www.changeofpace.com. Bib numbers, which are used to identify the runners, can be picked up at Fleet Feet from noon to 6 p.m. on Dec. 12, or until 8:15 a.m. the day of the race.

Those who are interested in donating to the year-round "Santa for Kids" program, or would like to volunteer can contact Nagrampa at president@iotaphi.org.

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