Runners were out bright and early last Saturday morning for the Quail Valley Charities Events 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run. Formerly known as the Quail Valley Charities Cup Week, the new name more accurately reflects the introduction of an ever-expanding variety of fundraising opportunities since the original two-day Charity Cup golf tournament in 2001. Monies raised provide grants to local non-profit organizations and programs that have an emphasis on children and education.
“We’re expecting about 250 today because the weather is good. This year is going to be our biggest year ever. We already have pledges and commitments in excess of $400,000 and we have an additional $200,000 from events,” said COO/GM Kevin Given, co-founder of Quail Valley with the late Steve Mulvey, who tragically passed away this past September.
“We anticipate funding 40 charities and will make an additional donation to a yet-to-be-determined charity that was close to Steve’s heart. A significant amount of donations came through the Memorial Fund set up in his name,” said Given.
Two new events were added this year. The Sunday before last they hosted a sold-out Tower Shoot at the Blackwater Creek Ranch and in November they introduced a hugely successful Girls’ Night Out shopping extravaganza at the River Club. A Grand Gala this Saturday will mark the conclusion of this year’s fundraising events, which also included a gourmet guest chef dinner as well as duplicate bridge, tennis and golf tournaments.
Given noted that last year Quail Valley Charities gave out $535,000 in grants to 34 nonprofits and scholarships to Quail employees. An expected $600,000 or more this year will mean they will have given out in excess of $6 million since the charity’s inception.