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Community Corner

Packard Hospital Run Raises Thousands

Sunday's Packard Scamper raised thousands for the Children's Hospital and also preceded the hospital's 20th birthday celebration.

More than a thousand participants ran or walked at Sunday’s Packard Summer Scamper, with many more volunteering or cheering them on as they ran to raise cash for Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital.

The race raised more than $126,000 and held its 20th birthday celebration immediately following.

“All three of my kids were born at Packard, so we wanted to teach the kids to help other kids,” said Redwood City resident Jason Lee. His two older children, Justin, age 5, and Madeline, age 4, ran in the Kids’ Fun Run.

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The hospital’s fundraiser gave participants several options like to be a volunteer and help with things such as information, handing out packets, giving runners water.

Jenny Bailey said even though she is already a member of the hospital’s foundation, she still wanted to volunteer her time on Sunday.

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“I still believe strongly in what the hospital provides and this was a fun way to help,” Bailey said.

Others chose to run in either the 5k or 10k, for a nominal registration fee or donation of $45, according to the Packard website. Others still could sponsor racers with their donations.

“I’m already a swimmer so this was just another exercise to me,” said Richard Fineman of Sausalito. “I know it’s going to benefit the hospital and that’s great. Children are the future.”

Fineman said his mom is a pediatric oncologist at the hospital and his whole family participated in the event.

Children aged ten and under ran either 100 yards for the younger children or 300 yards for the older ones in the Kids’ Fun Run alongside Sharkie, the mascot for the San Jose Sharks. The donation or registration fee for this run was $10.

“This is the only race we’ve seen that has a separate race for kids,” said Ryan Loar of Menlo Park. Loar said he liked the family-friendly aspect of the day and that his children, five-year-old Sienna and three-year-old Julianna could participate on their own.

Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital opened its doors June 10, 1991, according to its website, and celebrated its 20th anniversary a short walk from the race in the late morning and afternoon. 

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