PLANO, Texas, Nov. 6, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- My Possibilities, a non-profit center dedicated to empowering disabled adults, is launching the center's fourth annual North Texas Santa Run Campaign. This year, the My Possibilities elves have set a goal of attracting more than 4,000 Santas to participate in the outdoor event.
Both the 5K and One Mile Walk are presented by the Dr Pepper Snapple Group, and will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6th from 8 a.m. to noon at the company's headquarters in Plano. Porsche Plano is providing two sleighs – red convertibles for Santa and his entourage of Plano-based dignitaries – to lead the procession to the starting line.
A number of other sponsors are also helping with the event including Frost Bank, Aqua-Fit, Mary Kay Family Foundation, Below Zero Cyro, Yoozy Payment Solutions, CareNow, Clear Channel, KDGE 102.1 FM, KRLD – FM 105.3 The Fan, 97.5 KLAK FM as well as many others. Whole Foods Market® will provide fresh fruit for participants before and after the 5K and One Mile Walk.
"Last year, we raised almost $120,000 which helped fund many of My Possibilities educational programs. With more than 200,000 special needs adults living in North Texas, high-quality programs are almost non-existent," said Charmaine Solomon, founder of My Possibilities and chairman of the center's board of directors. Proceeds from this fundraiser go directly to fund the ongoing operations of the center so that we can continue to help this large and growing population."
More than just a running event, Santa Run Texas has entertainment for the entire family. This year, the Jordan Kahn Music Company will provide live music, Trigg Watson will put on a magic show, and a designated area called Santa's Playground will include plenty of other amusements for children. An "official" Santa Claus is on hand to hear children's wish lists and is available for photos with the event's youngest participants. A balloon artist and face-painter will also be on hand to entertain them too!
In addition to the recognition given to the winning runners, a number of other awards and prizes will be handed out after the run and walk events have been completed. The Best-Dressed Pet, Best-Dressed Santa, Best Sleigh, Largest Team and other prizes are handed out to Santa Run participants.
No celebration would be complete without a variety of food and drink. Multiple food trucks will be selling finger-licking favorites. Dr Pepper Snapple Group will provide complimentary water and other cold drinks. And, Dunkin Donuts will keep everyone warm with free coffee and cocoa.
To launch this year's event, My Possibilities is offering a $5 registration discount to runners that register on or before November 14th using the code SRT2014. The final registration deadline is Friday, Dec. 5th at 12 noon. Registration can be made online at www.santaruntexas.org. Registration will also be available the morning of the event, at a rate of $45 for adults and $35 for children.
In addition to this year's Santa Run Texas festivities, the HIPsters, the center's students which are lovingly referred to as "Hugely Important People," are collecting toys for needy children. My Possibilities is teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign. The Santa Run Texas Team is requesting that registrants bring a new unwrapped toy to the event. My Possibilities, along with their corporate sponsors, will hold a parade of toys during the kickoff of the running event.
For those interested in attending, here are the details for the event:
| When: | Saturday, Dec. 6th, 2014 |
| Where: | Dr Pepper Snapple Group Headquarters |
| 5301 Legacy Drive | |
| Plano, TX 75024 | |
| Time: | 8 a.m. to 12 noon – Festival Activities |
| 9 a.m. – 5 K Run kick off | |
| 9:15 a.m. – One Mile Walk kick off |
For additional information on the Santa Run, contact Eric Lihammar, Special Events Coordinator by phone at (469) 241-9100 x107 or by email at elihammar@mptx.org. For information about My Possibilities, contact Charmaine Solomon by phone at (469) 631-1372 or by email at lalchar@aol.com or contact the center's executive director, Michael Thomas by phone at (469) 241-9100 or by email at director@mptx.org.
More information is also available on the website at www.santaruntexas.org or www.mypossibilities.org.
About My Possibilities:
My Possibilities is a Plano, Texas-based non-profit, charity - 501(c)(3), for adults with disabilities (Autism, Down Syndrome, Aspergers, Prader-Willi, Head Injuries, etc.). Started in June 2008, this organization is the FIRST full day, full year program in Collin County for Texans, who have "aged out" of secondary education. My Possibilities helps special needs adults build independence and vocational skills in a safe and nurturing environment. To learn more, please go to www.mypossibilities.org.