My Possibilities, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is holding its sixth annual Santa Run Texas. This 5K Fun Run and 1-Mile Walk is a family and pet-friendly event that allows participants to dress up in a five-piece Santa suit (included with your registration). Santa Run Texas will be held at the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group Headquarters.
One-hundred percent of the proceeds will go back to the programs at My Possibilities. As a pioneering leader in vocational education for adults with cognitive disabilities, MP provides instruction for independent living skills, culinary skills, creative expression, health and wellness, as well as a variety of other enrichment programs, all of which are designed to stimulate the cognitive and creative abilities of their clients, lovingly referred to as HIPsters – Hugely Important People.
The first Santa-themed running event in DFW, Santa Run Texas has become a holiday tradition for those interested in helping adults with special needs and underprivileged children. This year, My Possibilities have set a goal of attracting more than 3,000 Santas to participate in the outdoor event.
Both the 5K Fun Run and 1-Mile Walk are presented by Dr Pepper Snapple Group, and will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10th from 8 a.m. to noon at the company’s headquarters located at 5301 Legacy Drive in Plano. Park Place Jaguar Plano is bringing out two sleighs – luxury convertibles for Santa and his entourage of North Texas-based dignitaries – to lead the procession of Santas to the starting line.
“Last year, we raised over $106,000 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 and Chairman of the Board at My Possibilities. “Proceeds from this fundraiser go directly towards the ongoing operations of My Possibilities so that we can continue to help this large and growing population.”
There will also be a designated area called “Santa’s Playland” that will include plenty of other amusements for children, including the world’s largest snowman bounce-house. An “official” Santa Claus is on hand to hear children’s wish lists, and other family-friendly entertainment includes a balloon artist and face-painter.
To help other North Texas families, all festival participants are requested to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the event for the HIPster’s annual Toys for Tots drive. Following Santa Run Texas, U.S. Marines will collect and distribute toys to underprivileged children throughout the Metroplex.
