1,000 Kids in Santa Clara County Need a Hero — This Race Is How Silicon Valley Answers the Call
The Californer/10345778

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Californer -- Right now, over 1,000 children in Santa Clara County are in the foster care system. Every one of them has experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Many don't have a dedicated adult in their corner — someone who goes to court for them, meets their teachers, checks on their medical care. That person is called a CASA volunteer. And the Foster5K exists to fund them.

The 10th Annual Foster5K Race + Kids Dash is happening Sunday May 17, 2026 at Martial Cottle Park in San Jose, CA. Presented by Rubrik and benefiting Child Advocates of Silicon Valley, this is Silicon Valley's most meaningful community run — and this year it hits a milestone: a full decade of showing up for foster youth.

Why it matters

A CASA — Court Appointed Special Advocate — is a trained community volunteer, appointed by a judge, who commits to one foster child for up to 18 months. They attend every court hearing. They meet the teachers and doctors. They make sure that child's voice is heard by everyone making decisions about their life. The results are documented: only 58% of foster youth in California graduate high school. With a CASA, over 85% of Child Advocates' teens do. One adult. That difference.

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Three ways to be part of it
🏃 Run or walk — register at foster5k.org. Early bird pricing still available.

🙋 Volunteer — no running required. Rebecca Sayed, Foster5K Volunteer Lead, says it best: "You don't need to run a single step — you just need to show up with energy and heart. The race day energy is absolutely electric." Email info@foster5k.org.

💛 Donate — can't make it on the 17th? Every dollar still funds a CASA. foster5k.org

Sunday May 17, 2026 | Martial Cottle Park, 5283 Snell Ave, San Jose | 5K starts 9AM | Kids Dash 10AM
All proceeds benefit Child Advocates of Silicon Valley (Tax ID: 77-0250773)

Register, volunteer, or donate at http://www.foster5k.org

For media inquiries contact http://www.foster5k.org or email info@foster5k.org