Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1164462
8 SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 DRIVE FOR SCHOOLS S ubaru of Santa Cruz, Toyota of Santa Cruz, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk col- laborate to run the Drive for Schools program and donate the largest prizes (a new car and 10 $1,000 prizes). In addition, nearly 100 other local businesses step up and donate fantastic prizes. This generosity makes selling tickets even easier for kids across Santa Cruz County, and the result is a lot of money for schools—from Aptos and Watsonville, to Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz, Live Oak, Cap- itola and everywhere in between. The prizes definitely add to the program's success, and schools' excitement at participating. With the DFS fundraiser, even if people don't win the grand prize or cash prizes, there are many other items they can win from businesses. "These are amaz- ing prizes like hotel overnights, restaurant gift certificates, sailing tickets, or a cruiser bike," says Pope, Director of Sales and Pro- motions at the Boardwalk. For a full list, see beachboardwalk.com/ Drive-For-Schools/Prizes. Keep checking the site, because it's updated periodically as prizes get added. Dream Inn Santa Cruz (dream- innsantacruz.com) has con- tributed prizes for the last few years. Their prize for this year, a one-night stay in an Ocean View Deluxe Room (worth over $300) plus dinner for two in the hotel's Jack O'Neill Restaurant. Dream Inn Santa Cruz is thrilled to be participating as a donor once again. "As a local busi- ness, we strive to help support local charities that help sustain- able efforts in Santa Cruz, and/ or help our growing kids," says Dan Smart, Director of Sales and Marketing at the hotel. We value and respect the Santa Cruz Seaside Company (owners of the Boardwalk) and will support their efforts to better our community and sponsor our children." This is the first year that Car- mel-based Carmel Valley Ranch (carmelvalleyranch.com) was approached as a donor—and boy, did they come through! Not only did they say yes to a donation, their prize is also quite valuable. Worth $850, it's a one-night stay in a "Ranch King" and a round of golf for two including use of the practice range and a cart. Matt Bailey, Managing Director at Carmel Valley Ranch, is glad that they were asked to donate. "There are few things nearer and dearer to our hearts than pro- grams that benefit education." Felton's Roaring Camp Rail- roads (roaringcamp.com) is a longtime donor to DFS. This year, they generously donated four pairs of tickets, each pair worth $70. "We try to give back to the local community in many ways," says Roaring Camp Director of Sales & Marketing Joanne Hirasa- ki. "Raising funds for local schools is definitely worthwhile. We are happy to participate," she adds. The Santa Cruz Warriors (santacruz.gleague.nba.com) have been DFS donors for several years. This year, the SC Warriors graciously donated two fabulous prizes: 1) four general admis- sion Santa Cruz Warriors tickets to a 2019-20 season game plus a fan swag pack, and 2) a pair of Golden State Warriors tickets (lower level for 2019-20 season). There are definitely going to be many sports fans trying to win those awesome prizes! "The Warriors donate to Drive for Schools because we believe in the value of a great education for our youth," says Santa Cruz Warriors President Chris Murphy. "The Santa Cruz Seaside Com- pany is leading the charge on a massive fundraising initiative that supports our local schools, and we are proud to be able to contribute our support towards their amaz- ing efforts." In addition to the large amount of money the program raises for local education providers, Mur- phy says, he feels that DFS also accomplishes a second important goal. "This initiative raises aware- ness that our schools need more support from the local commu- nity," says Murphy. "The Warriors participate in several hundred lo- MAKING IT WORK: VALUABLE PRIZES INCREASE TICKET SALES By Tara Fatemi Walker CONTINUES ON 9 Roaring Camp - Train Rides