Nearly 1,700 people participated in the County of San Diego’s Inaugural Live Well San Diego5K with special guest Nick Hardwick on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at NTC Park at Liberty Station in Point Loma.  The event was a celebration of the County’s long term Live Well San Diegoinitiative to achieve the vision of healthy, safe and thriving communities and brought together celebrities and the San Diego community to help create awareness throughout the County about foster care and adoption programs. Many participants came with their families, co-workers, and friends (even the four-legged version) to join the festivities, exercise, learn about health and safety tips, and to support this important cause.

Foster care and adoptions programs continue to impact the lives of many children and youth who have been abused and/or neglected in San Diego County.   The story below is representative of the County’s work in action:

Two girls, ages 5 and 6, returned to San Diego because their relatives were unable to care for them any longer.  Due to the trauma they both experienced in their young lives and their lack of stability, these siblings needed continued support to address their mental health needs, as well as a family that would be willing to keep them together in the same home. Through diligent work and the use of Safety Organized Practice tools, a social worker was able to identify an adoptive home for these siblings.  These girls continue to thrive in their adoptive home and are much healthier, both physically and emotionally.  Without their adoptive family, these girls would not have had the opportunity to grow up together in a loving family setting. 

“This 5K has been so exciting to be a part of,” said special guest, San Diego Charger, Nick Hardwick.  “It has been a pleasure to be an ambassador for the Live Well San Diego initiative and foster care services all around the county.  Not everyone can be a foster parent, but today’s festivities have shown that everyone can give back.  I just want to thank everyone that has participated in the 2014 Live Well San Diego 5K and their support of our cause.”

A special thank you to the event sponsors: First 5 San Diego, Dependency Legal Group (DLG) of San Diego, Coast 2 Coast Discount Prescription Drug Program, Optum Health, RoadRunner Sports, our media partner - ABC Channel 10 and Azteca San Diego, and news anchor Virginia Cha, who served as emcee during opening ceremonies.

Highlights from the inaugural Live Well San Diego 5K with special guest Nick Hardwick include:

• An autograph booth with current San Diego Chargers including: Nick Hardwick, Crezdon Butler, King Dunlap, Malcolm Floyd, Marcus Gilchrist, Mike Harris, Thomas Keiser, Nick Novak, Rich Ohrnberger, John Phillips, Chad Rinehart, Mike Scifres, Brad Sorrenson, Darrell Stuckey, Johnnie Troutman, Kenny Wiggins and Danny Woodhead
• Kids Fun Zone sponsored by DLG and First 5 featuring bounce houses by LB Jumpers Express, clowns, and games & activities by Kid Ventures
• The School of Rock kid’s band playing music
• A complimentary food court featuring foods from Artic Zero, NorthGate Market, Panera Hillcrest, Panera Liberty Station, Project Pie, VONS, Cliff Bar, Chick-Fil-A and Einsteins Rosecrans
• On-site information from numerous local foster care, adoption and community based programs
  • Partners included County of SD Family Resource Services, Fred Finch Youth Center , Just in Time for Foster Youth, San Diego Youth Services, Voices for Children, Angels Foster Family Network, SAY San Diego, Polinsky Childrens Center Auxiliary, San Diego Family Care, Sorrento Valley Pain Relief Center, San Diego Center for Children - Special Families Foster Family Agency, San Diego Family Care, San Diego Youth Services, San Diego Valley Charter School, Koinonia and Health and Human Services Agency Child Welfare Services Foster Youth Mentor Program
• On-site health information from numerous programs and businesses including  Conscious Cook, County of San Diego Public Health, County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services, Farm Fresh To You, Cooking 4 Life, County of San Diego CalFresh, County of San Diego Vector Control Program and Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America
• Other on-site exhibitors included South Bay Family Chiropractor, San Diego County Credit Union and AT&T who gave information on their areas of business and how it helps the San Diego Community

Read additional stories about the Live Well San Diego 5K on local news:

County News Center interview with a former foster youth now earning a MSW

Channel 10 News story about a man running his first 5K as part of his efforts to live a healthier life

Pictured above (from left): County Supervisor Greg Cox; Supervisor Ron Roberts; Nick Hardwick, San Diego Chargers; Supervisor Dave Roberts; and Nick Macchione, Director of County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency