For almost three decades the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) has helped make sure that children and families in need have a joyful holiday season. Please join us Saturday, December 3^rd at Fort De Soto Park for Ride And Run With The Stars, the biggest law enforcement-organized holiday fundraiser in the Tampa Bay area. Money raised at the event supports the Sheriff’s Christmas Sharing Project. Last year the PCSO helped more than 200 families and 500 children with toys and necessities for the holidays.

Ride And Run With The Stars has races for all ages and fitness levels, including a 5K chipped race, a 1-mile fun walk/skate, a 25-mile bike ride, and a 10K family bike ride. Registration for the races includes a long-sleeve event shirt as well as food, giveaways, and more. Prizes are awarded in the chipped 5K race for the best times in different age groups, with grand prizes being high quality bicycles.

Our K-9 Unit will give a demonstration, and since a sleigh doesn’t travel too well on the sand Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in a PCSO helicopter, with elves as their ground crew. You can bid on vacations, sports gear, and gift baskets in our silent auction too.

All money raised at Ride And Run With The Stars goes to benefit children and families who are economically disadvantaged or who have been victims of crimes. After the event, deputies and other PCSO members act as Santa’s helpers and shop for the sponsored families. Toys and bikes are the most common things the kids ask for, but we also help families with the necessities on their wish lists such as clothes and shoes.

If you would like to help local families have a happier holiday, consider become a sponsor or donating to our silent auction. If you would like to adopt a family, contact Sandra Garcia-Olivares, PCSO Victim Advocate, at sgarcia-olivares@pcsonet.com or 727-582-6465.

Come enjoy holiday family fun for a great cause at this year’s Ride And Run With The Stars. To register or for more information visit www.rideandrunwiththestars.com.