Story and photos by:
Jack Raudy 530/389-9154 or jraudy@foothill.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOUR-WHEELERS’ GOLD COUNTRY TOY RUN
HUGE SUCCESS FOR SACRAMENTO AREA NEEDY CHILDREN

SACRAMENTO (Dec. 6, 2004) – More than 300 northern California four-wheel drive enthusiasts recently participated in the 17^th Annual Gold County Toy Run near Folsom that benefits needy Sacramento area children identified by Christmas Promise.

According to Darla Quaresma, a member of the Hi-Landers four-wheel drive club and co-chair for this year’s event, the four-wheel drive enthusiasts donated 637 toys, 15 bicycles and 230 sleeping bags that had been purchased from donations from last year’s toy run event.

"I am so proud of our four-wheel drive families and their generosity to ensure that hundreds of underprivileged children throughout the Sacramento area will have a special Christmas and a big smiles when they receive our gifts on Christmas Eve," said Quaresma. "Our club members put in long hours to make this event a reality, but it pales in comparison to the rewards we all receive when we knock on that door and see the expression from the children."

Eighteen clubs from the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs participated in the toy run as well as many individual four-wheelers from throughout the area. The Sacramento-based Sierra Treasure Hunters four-wheel drive club captured the most participants honors for the third straight year with 60 members attending.

"We are a very family-oriented and community-oriented club," said Kathy Medley, one of the Sierra Treasure Hunters members, "and our children are involved in money-making projects throughout the year to buy presents for the Christmas Promise children." She said her club’s children raised $707 this year to purchase 125 toys for the event.

The Best Decorated Vehicle trophy went to Tom and Debbie Moore of Rancho Cordova, who mounted a Christmas tree on their four-wheel drive pick-up truck and made the parade drive from Lake Natoma, through Granite Bay and historic Folsom and returning via Highway 50 to the lakeside staging area.

Once the parade participants returned to Lake Natoma, the festivities began with the arrival of Santa Claus, face painting for the children, Christmas music, snack bar operations, trophy presentations and finally, gathering all the gifts and transporting them to Christmas Promise.

"The people at Christmas Promise were absolutely thrilled," said Quaresma. "This year, my husband, John, and I, as well as some other club members will be joining the Christmas Promise staff and help deliver the toys and gifts to the needy children. That makes it all worthwhile."

For more information on participating in next year’s 18^th Annual Gold Country Toy Run, contact Darla Quaresma at (530) 672-1452 or email quaresma@sbcglobal.net

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