Race for the Rock 2010

Watch Race for the Rock kick-off celebration here!

2010-06-04T23:52:59Z

Thank you so much to everyone who has helped registered and helped spread the word about the 2nd annual Race for the Rock. Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) is thankful for the support of race participants as 100 percent of the event registration fee benefits programs and services at SFBFS. If you haven't registered yet but still want to join in the fun it's not too late! You can still sign up at the official Race for the Rock website or show up at 8 AM at the Capitol tomorrow and register in-person! We will be live streaming the kick-off festivities right here on The Sacramento Press Saturday, June 5.

The schedule of events is as follows:

8:00 Check-in begins (West steps of the Capitol): Racers receive t-shirts, meet local mascots such as Dinger, Scooter and professional dancers.
10:00 Kick off ceremony: Mayor Johnson will send out the first text and send the racers on their way at 10:15.12:00 Race wraps up: Racers are notified the final clue has been solved and everyone is invited back to the after party to celebrate.
12:30 After party is underway (House Kitchen & Bar 555 Capitol Ave) – valet bike parking, local band The Detours perform, lunch provided by House Kitchen & Bar.
2:00 Award ceremony. Prizes include $20,000 diamond ring, earrings, necklace, 2 beach cruisers, watches, gift certificates and much more!
3:00 Event wrap up

We hope you can to join us on Saturday with the hundreds of teams that will be racing through downtown Sacramento on bikes, scooters and foot using theirtexting skills to solve clues that will lead them to fabulous prizes.

Free live streaming by Ustream Free video chat by Ustream

Who's Steve Knieriem's 'rock'? Race for the Rock 2010

2010-05-27T21:18:06Z

The second Race for the Rock, benefitting Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, will take place on June 5. Participants will pedal, scoot and wheel their way through downtown Sacramento guided by text message-based clues in search of over $35,000 in prizes, provided by Rogers Jewelery Co. Each week leading up to the event, we will interview someone who is involved in the race to find out who their "rock" is.

Interview with Steve Knieriem, Operations Manager for the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Who is your "rock" and why?
My Family has been my rock in my life. With all the things that I put them through, I am very blessed that I have their respect today. I wouldn’t be the person that I am today without their love and forgiveness.

Have you ever been anyone else's "rock"?
I hope that through my life I have been someone else’s rock but many of my ex-girlfriends would probably disagree.

What are your thoughts about last year's Race for the Rock?
I wasn’t that involved with last year's Race for the Rock, I just played a small logistical part delivering and picking up before and after the event.

What is your role with this year's Race for the Rock and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS)?
This year, as the Operations Manager for SFBFS, I have been involved from the beginning stages of planning and will be one of the last people to leave when the after-party is finished at HOUSE Kitchen & Bar. I will participate at the re-cap meeting and start planning for the 2011 Race.

How long have you been supporting SFBFS?
I have had the opportunity to be a part of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services Family for about 5 years. I started as a seasonal/temporary Holiday Spirit of Giving driver/warehouse worker and have been a staff member for 3 years; the most rewarding job I have ever had.

If you are participating in this year's race, what are you looking forward to the most?
I am setting up for the race so all the people participating will have fun and enjoy themselves.

What is one thing about SFBFS the public might not realize but should know?
All the dedication that the volunteer and staff have to make the SFBFS operate.

Anything else you'd like to add?
I'm very thankful to the Sacramento community for their support to the SFBFS.

For more information and to register as a participant, please visit www.racefortherock.com

Who's Chris Suter's 'rock'? Race for the Rock 2010

2010-05-17T23:50:29Z

Interview with Chris Suter, SFBFS volunteer and contestant in last year's Race for the Rock

Who is your "rock" and why?

I would have to pick my sister, Emily. Simply put, she is the most amazing person I’ve ever met. Somehow, she effortlessly balances an engineering workload at a top Ivy League school, career internships, and a full social schedule. Also, she is the most wonderfully sweet person you could ever hope to know. She’s seven years younger than I am, but she’s who I want to be when I grow up.

Have you ever been anyone else's "rock"?

A close friend of mine recently lost someone dear to her. Looking for distractions and fun she turned to me, and never one to turn down the opportunity to spend time with her I was more than happy to oblige. Despite her loss, she was able to put on a brave face and have a good time whenever we hung out. She would later tell me how much our time together during this emotional period meant to her. It was a sad time, but this has definitely brought us closer as friends.

What are your thoughts about last year's Race for the Rock?

The event was fantastic! It was so much fun. My teammate Chris and I were fortunate enough to place second amidst some tough competition, so that was a bonus.

What is your role with this year's Race for the Rock and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS)?

Chris and I will be participating again. Being a competitive pair, we already have the standard of last year’s performance to live up to, but now some of our friends have dubbed us as the “pre-race favorites” so we’ll have that pressure to deal with, too. Thanks guys.

How long have you been supporting SFBFS?

I’ve been involved with SFBFS since the summer of 2007 when I met Genevieve (Saca Center Director). As we became closer friends I started volunteering at their events like Run to Feed the Hungry and Broker Punt Pass and Kick. For the past year, as I was unemployed, I volunteered a couple times a week with their Adult Education and Mother Baby programs and also was given the opportunity to lead some of their bigger events like Adopt A Family and the Turkey Drive.

If you are participating in this year's race, what are you looking forward to the most?

A great day of fun, racing hard, avoiding some of the mistakes we made last year, and seeing if we can’t take that one step up to the top of the podium. But mostly just going out and having a good time.

What is one thing about SFBFS the public might not realize but should know?

That SFBFS is more than just food. While that is technically the name of the organization and they do it extremely well, their true quality and value shows through in the ability to engage the community. My time there has really shown me how much the community can benefit from well-planned events and programs done by staff that truly cares about their clients.

For more information and to register as a participant, please visit www.racefortherock.com.

Also, visit the Sacramento Press "Race for the Rock" page

Who's Genevieve Deignan's 'rock'? Race for the Rock 2010

2010-05-11T23:53:04Z

Interview with: Genevieve Deignan, Saca Community Learning Center Director, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Who is your "rock" and why?
I had a hard time coming up with just 1 person. My friends, coworkers, boyfriend and family, and my cat, Buster, constantly support me in every way and in all of my crazy endeavors. Not only because Mother’s Day was last Sunday and Father’s Day is coming up in June, but because they are amazing people, I have to say that my rocks are my parents. My mother, Kathleen, and my father, Joseph, have always been there for me in every way throughout my life. My dad would come home from work and flip through my text books and quiz for a test that was the next day and in college I could e-mail my papers home at midnight and they’d be proof-read and corrected in time for me to turn them in in the morning. No holiday passes without getting a card or small gift sent to me from my mother, not just birthdays, but Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter too. Even now, with my busy schedule, I am unable to always cook healthy meals for myself, so my mom sends me back to Sacramento stocked with ready to microwave healthy soups and dishes. My parents attend every special event that I hold at the Saca Center, usually manning the barbecue and last year a volunteer group didn’t show up for one of my events and my dad barbecued 500 hot dogs by himself and my mom plated and added ketchup or mustard to very single one. My parents have always been fair disciplinarians and especially now as an adult, I see the reasoning behind every rule and every punishment and I find myself offering advice to others based on the way that I was parented. They have supported me in every thing that I have done and have never pressured me to do something I didn’t want to do and have always let me make my own choices and therefore reap the consequences, good and bad. They have grown from parents into my best friends and I love going home just to spend time with them, tell stories and laugh.

Have you ever been anyone else's "rock"?
I hope so! I am not sure, but I have many close friends and offer support to many staff and volunteers at work. Roxanne Tursi, an SFBFS volunteer, wrote her article saying that I was her rock! So touching- thank you Roxanne!

What are your thoughts about last year's Race for the Rock?
I am super excited! I hope that over 2,000 people come and participate! It is a great event!

What is your role with this year's Race for the Rock and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS)?
I am in charge of organizing the after-party. We are meeting at 5th and Capitol at House Kitchen and Bar from 12:00-3:00pm for lunch, drinks, and live music by the Detours! We will have valet bike parking, awards and prizes for everyone!

How long have you been supporting SFBFS?
I started as a volunteer in March of 2005 and transitioned into an AmeriCorps member from fall 2005-fall 2006, when the Saca Center Director at the time, Josh Heimburg, was leaving for graduate school. I was offered the position of Adult Education Program manager and shortly after transitioned into Saca Center Director. Now I oversee the building facility and 6 staff members! It is an amazing job!

If you are participating in this year's race, what are you looking forward to the most?
I am not participating but come and see me at the after-party!!

What is one thing about SFBFS the public might not realize but should know?
That we have another building! The Saca Center opened in February 2005 (5th Year Anniversary Party schedule for June 10th 4-7pm open house) and we house 4 of SFBFS’s programs; Adult Education, Mother-Baby, Youth Academy and PlayCare. Come and visit us for a tour!

Anything else you'd like to add?
Thank you Mom and Dad for supporting me and SFBFS!

For more information and to register as a participant, please visit www.racefortherock.com

Visit the Sacramento Press 2010 Race for the Rock splash page

Cyclists to do a mad dash in search of diamonds

2010-05-06T22:28:14Z

Hop on your bikes, Sacramento, and get ready to search for some bling.

Rogers Jewelry Co. and Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) are bringing back Race for the Rock for its second year with plans to make this year's fundraiser bigger and better than last year.

"We have a year under our belt with this new event, and our relationship with Rogers and our participants continue to get stronger and stronger," said Blake Young, SFBFS president.

On June 5, around 1,000 participants will meet at the west steps of the Capitol to partake in a text message-based scavenger hunt around downtown. Using a mobile, geo-gaming technology system called SCVNGR, clues will be sent directly to contestants' cell phones.

The clues will lead to $35,000 worth of jewelry, including the grand prize Hearts on Fire diamond ring worth $20,000 and second- and third-place prizes worth more than $3,500 each. Additional valuable prizes up for grabs include a Garmin GPS system for bikes, watches by Seiko, and women's and men's rings, among others.

"Participants should expect a very exciting event with really good prizes and a good feeling that their efforts and time will result in families receiving help through this combined effort," said Young said. He said he believes the best part of the race is exposing SFBFS to a new support base and increasing public awareness of the many programs the organization operates.

The idea for Race for the Rock was born last year when the Rogers team, a third-generation family business, began questioning how they could give back to Sacramento where the Rogers family has lived and worked for close to 70 years.

"Right now, there are a lot more people out there needing help to make ends meet," said Rogers Marketing Director Calvin Curtin. "The question is, how can a group of jewelry stores help people struggling to pay their bills and put food on the table?"

That's when Rogers turned to SFBFS, where every dollar donated equals $10 worth of services and goods. All proceeds from the $40-per-team entry fee will go directly to SFBFS with a goal of raising more than $500,000. Those who wish to donate but cannot participate in the race can pay the registration fee and still attend the after-party without partaking in the race.

Besides having fun in the name of a great cause, Curtin said he believes one of the best parts of the race is the bonding that takes place. He explained that at the beginning of last year's race, many teams quietly kept to themselves. This changed at the after party, when many of the teams mixed and mingled, sharing stories and laughs over the experience they had all just gone through.

"Race for the Rock is like a party," he said. "It's the coolest feeling to bring a huge group of people together and give them a common experience to share."

This year's after party, included in the entry fee, will take place at HOUSE Kitchen & Bar, where attendees can valet their bikes, be fed lunch, and be entertained by party band The Detours. Prizes will be given out during an award ceremony at the party.

As of last week, without any advertising, about 70 teams are registered. This number is expected to multiply sevenfold in the final weeks before the race with additional marketing efforts and exposre. Registration is accepted up until kickoff at the event, but only 500 teams will be allowed to participate in order to maximize teams' chances of winning prizes.

"By participating in this event, you are helping to provide a lifeline of hope to people struggling to make ends meet," Curtin said.

For more information or to register, visit the Race for the Rock website.

See last year's event:

Photos courtesy of Rogers Jewelry Co.

Author's Note: The maximum teams allowed to register this year is actually 1,000. Also, the $500,000 mentioned in the article is referring to how many goods and services the $50,000 donation goal will provide to SFBFS.

Who's Alexis Raymond's "rock"? Race for the Rock 2010

2010-05-03T22:30:29Z

Interview with Alexis Raymond, SFBFS volunteer

A little about Alexis: I moved to Sacramento from Boston in 2002. I like to have fun and help others. I work full time for United Animal Nations, a national nonprofit animal protection organization, and I am on the volunteer board of directors of the Sacramento Area Animal Coalition, a local nonprofit that provides low-cost spay/neuter services to pet owners in need. In my free time I like to bike, hike, travel, read, write, cook, eat, and go for walks with my significant other, Richard, and our dogs, Nikki and Dewey.

Who is your "rock" and why? My “rock” is a husband and father of four. He’s just not my husband. Ted Ten Eyck and I met when we were both awkward (physically and emotionally) pre-teens in junior high school. He has remained my closest friend for 27 years. With a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen, he has ushered me through life’s minutia (unrequited crushes, first-job jitters, fender benders) and major upheavals (marriage, divorce, my father’s death, my own open heart surgery). Ted and I live 3,000 miles apart now and I’m lucky if I see him once a year. It hardly matters, though. Despite the distance that separates us and the differences in our lives, whenever we see each other we act like the same awkward kids we were 27 years ago -– laughing at each other’s dumb jokes, lending a sympathetic ear and accepting one another for who we are. (Attached photo is me and Ted on the top of Mount San Jacinto near Palm Springs, taken during a recent trip to celebrate his 40th birthday)

Have you ever been anyone else's "rock"? I like to think I have been a rock for Ted. I’ve popped up in his life where you might least expect a woman to be -– as his “best person” at his wedding, planning his bachelor party, and taking him on a trip for his 40th birthday, for example. We never actually took a vow or signed a contract, but we know it’s true -– if we need each other, in good times or bad, we’ll be there as fast as a commercial airline can carry us.

What are your thoughts about last year's Race for the Rock? It was a lot of fun, but I learned that I’m not the Sacramento know-it-all I thought I was!

What is your role with this year's Race for the Rock and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS)? I am competing in this year’s Race for the Rock again and striving for a better showing. I have also volunteered for other SFBFS events, including a Mother’s Day donation drive for the Mother-Baby Program.

How long have you been supporting SFBFS? Since 2007.

If you are participating in this year's race, what are you looking forward to the most? Seeing hundreds of people in blue shirts peddling their bicycles frantically around Sacramento in support of a good cause. And winning The Rock, of course.

What is one thing about SFBFS the public might not realize but should know? It does WAY more than distribute emergency food supplies. Way more. The amazing staff members and volunteers offer parenting classes, job search assistance, computer classes, clothing for families in need, supplies for families with newborns, after-school programs and even an art program for women -– all at no cost.

For more information and to register as a participant, please visit www.racefortherock.com.

Who's Roxanne Tursi's 'rock'? Race for the Rock 2010

2010-04-26T20:02:50Z

Interview with Roxanne Tursi, volunteer for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

A little about Roxanne: Roxanne is originally from the Bay Area, attended University of the Pacific and now resides in Sacramento. She is currently an Administrative Assistant for a Commercial Construction Company and the Cheesecake Factory at Arden.

Who is your "rock" and why? Write a few sentences about the impact he/she has had on your life.

My rock is Genevieve Deignan, over the years she has inspired me to get involved in the community and make a difference. She is one of the most positive people I have ever known and a natural leader! When I see all that she accomplishes and with her kind words I know that I can achieve great things.

Have you ever been anyone else's "rock"? I have supported many close friends through difficult times, true friends are such a gift.

What are your thoughts about last year's Race for the Rock? This will be my very first Race for the Rock, I'm thrilled to be participating!

What is your role with this year's Race for the Rock and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS)? I am going to be a scavenger, hoping to find the rock!

How long have you been supporting SFBFS? Going on three years

If you are participating in this year's race, what are you looking forward to the most? Spending a beautiful day outside, learning about and appreciating downtown Sacramento

What is one thing about SFBFS the public might not realize but should know? They have some of the best community leaders and volunteers around!

For more information and to register as a participant, please visit www.racefortherock.com.

Photo: Roxanne and her "rock," Genevieve

Who's Chris Schath's 'rock'? Race for the Rock 2010

2010-04-19T23:31:21Z

Interview with Chris Schath, volunteer for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

A little about Chris: I'm Chris Schath. I'm married to [Volunteer Services Manager] Robin Simpson of SFBFS fame. I'm a switchman for the Union Pacific Railroad in Roseville and I like to volunteer and generally help out with any odds and ends that anyone at the food bank needs help with whenever i have a little time off work.

Who is your "rock" and why?

Robin Simpson's my rock, and has been for some time. We met in highschool and were married a couple years ago. She's the best wife, friend, travel buddy and daily company a guy could ask for.

What are your thoughts about last year's Race for the Rock?

Last year's Race for the Rock was an awful lot of fun in general, from what I gathered. I was a volunteer, not a participant. I always enjoy volunteering at these type of benefit events. Not sure what anyone without Donald Trump's wallet would even do if handed a $25,000 diamond but it was fun watching everyone race around for it.

What is your role with this year's Race for the Rock and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?

I'm volunteering again this year at Race for the Rock, and I'm mostly just looking forward to a lovely day in the park.

How long have you been supporting SFBFS?

I've been helping out around the Food Bank and volunteering in-house and at events for a couple years now, since my wife began working there.

What is one thing about SFBFS the public might not realize but should know?

I think the general public has basically no idea of the full range of services the food bank offers. Most folks don't even think to donate anything but canned food. I get "Oh, they take clothes?" and "Oh, they take diapers and formula and toys?", "Oh, they will take the extra fresh fruit and vegetables from my garden that I was going to just throw away?" from friends, family, neighbors and co-workers pretty much since I became involved. People seem to have this detatched idea of the food bank and how they reckon "poor people" get food there. It's really a fantastic and complex place that has a lot to offer to a lot of people from all sorts of financial and developmental backgrounds.

For more information and to register as a participant, please visit www.racefortherock.com.

Who's Linda Meyers' 'rock'? Race for the Rock 2010

2010-04-12T21:11:06Z

Interview with Linda Meyers, mentor/tutor at the SFBFS Intel Computer Clubhouse

A little about Linda:
I retired "early" from my job as an adminstrator for the UC Davis Health System to obtain a teaching credential. For the past 10 years I have worked as a subsitute teacher at Sierra Oaks School in the San Juan Unified District. I have been a volunteer in various community activities my entire adult life. Working with the children who come to the Intell Computer Clubhouse for academic assistance is the most gratifying of my activities, both past and present.

Who is your "rock" and why?
My husband, Fred. At the core, our family believes that the bedrock for improving the health and wellbeing of others is education. Fred reminds me regularly that my work with the students enrolled in the Academic Assitance component of the SFBFS Intel Computer Clubhouse is far more important than bringing home a paycheck. He is supportive in every way and beyond that, he encourages me to accept new challenges, to move forward, and to be who I am. I admire his intelect , his humility, and his passion for helping others. We are a rock-solid team.

Have you ever been anyone else's "rock"?
For the purpose of answering your question, I will define "rock" as someone who shows up consistently, who listens, who encourages, who guides, and who teaches. The time I spend with the wonderful children at SFBFS adds value to my life, and is clearly appreciated not only by the students but also by their parents. I know this because I see their delight when the mentor/tutor arrives and I hear their expressions of appreciation at the end of each session. One rainy evening a few weeks ago, as I was walking to my car one of the students with whom I work on a regular basis noticed me as she was walking home with her father. She waved and said, "Bye Mrs. Meyers." I responed, "Bye, .......[name withheld]" Hearing all of this, her father said something to her in Spanish. Despite the pouring rain, she brought him over, and introduced us. As he shook my hand, he said in heavly-accented English, "Thank you for helping my daughter. I cannot help her. Thank you." Needless-to-say, I went home on cloud nine. He has since thanked me every time he sees me. These experessions of thanks not perfunctory, rather they clearly come from his heart. So, have I been anyone else's rock? I am honored to say yes. Yes because I can be there for the students (and their parents) enrolled in the Academic Assitance Program of the SFBFS Intel Computer Clubhouse.

What are your thoughts about last year's Race for the Rock?
I loved the idea of purchasing raffle tickets last year but I also think that the race is a clever and interesting idea.

What is your role with this year's Race for the Rock and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS)?
My official roll at SFBFS is as a mentor/tutor in the Intel Computer Clubhouse. I also help out occasionally at other SFBSF events. Although I don't have a defined roll in the Race for the Rock, I will support it in whatever way I can.

How long have you been supporting SFBFS?
Three years.

If you are participating in this year's race, what are you looking forward to the most?
If raffle tickets are sold, I'll purchase some and if volunteer help is needed, I can help in that capacity.

What is one thing about SFBFS the public might not realize but should know?
Although our food closet is a very important part of what we do, we are a "Family Services" organization. I believe the general public is unaware of the variety and scope of the programs offered at SFBFS.

For more information and to register as a participant, please visit www.racefortherock.com

Who's Calvin Curtin's 'rock'? Race for the Rock 2010

2010-04-05T22:00:02Z

First and last name: Calvin Curtin, Marketing Director for Rogers

A little about Calvin:

I'm a native of Sacramento having been born in American River Hospital in Carmichael (which is gone now I think). I lived in the North Highlands area until I was 10 years old when we moved to Orangevale and then, about a year later, to Modesto. I have worked for Rogers Jewelry Co going on 24 years. I started as a "stock boy" working after school when I was 16, and worked my way through the store from salesperson to manager to my current position of Marketing and Advertising Director. I'm married to my beautiful wife Janice, and we have 3 children - my son Bryson (13), my step-daughter Makenzie (12) and my baby boy William (15 months). I currently live in Turlock.

Who is your "rock" and why?

I would have to say that the "rock" in my life would have to be my mom. Obviously, there is no one that I've known longer than she and no one that l has always been there throughout my entire life; from childhood to adulthood. My mom is a wonderful person that always puts the needs and feelings of everyone in our family ahead of hers. When my grandparents were in the end stages of their lives, it was my mom that put her life on hold to travel from her home in Oregon to Sacramento to care for them until they passed away. She lived away from home and my dad for months at a time for a period of a couple year in order to do this. She never complained about being away from home or about the burden physically, emotionally and financially that situation put on her. At a time in her life when she should have been enjoying some well deserved retirement, she dropped everything to care for her elderly parents 24/7.

Have you ever been anyone else's "rock"?

I think that I'm my kid's "rock". At least, I'd like to think that I am. I try never to miss an event like a game or performance if I can and I try to encourage them to do different things and try new experiences. I look at myself as their "tour guide" through life. Point out the sites, give them a little encouragement to try it on their own and, to the best of my ability, let them go and do it on their own.

What are your thoughts about last year's Race for the Rock?

Last year was the first year for the event and we were very pleased with the turnout of participants; 840 people showed up. We had the mayor send out the ceremonial "first text" and overall, it was a huge success. I personally walked through the after-party and spoke with quite a few of the racers. Without exception, everyone I personally spoke to told me what a fantastic time they had, how fun the event was and how well run they thought it was. I asked each one if they would be willing to participate again and they said they definitely would.

What is your role with this year's Race for the Rock and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS)?

I'm the director of Marketing and Advertising for Rogers Jewelry Co.. My role with the race is as the title sponsor and de-facto race director. It's my job to oversee and direct all aspects of the event from coordinating with the texting company SCVNGR to arranging for the prizes and promoting the event. This year, the event has grown to the point where we brought in a committee of people to help run the various aspects of the race and there is no way I could do it without their help. We are very fortunate to have a pool of talented, organized folks that are as committed to making this event as successful as I am.

If you are participating in this year's race, what are you looking forward to the most? The part of the event that is the most fun is the "scramble" where all of the racers get the final clue at one time. It's such a blast to watch them come racing in from all over the city to swarm the final location trying to figure out the last clue which is extremely difficult to solve. The energy and intensity of the racers is awesome to watch.

What is one thing about SFBFS the public might not realize but should know? Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services is really a bit of a misnomer. Although food is a large part of what they do, they do so much more than that. They offer literacy programs, mother-baby programs, computer skills workshops and classes, a clothes closet and the list goes on. I believe that the thing that draws me to their organization, along with the fantastic folks that work and volunteer there, is the fact that they help a vastly under-served portion of our community. Those folks that have a place to live but, for whatever reason, are teetering on the edge. They are the safety net that helps people stay in their homes and get through tough times because once someone slips into homelessness, it's very difficult for them to climb out. Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services keeps folks from falling into that abyss.

For more information and to register as a participant, please visit www.racefortherock.com.

Who's Kelly Siefkin's 'rock'? Race for the Rock 2010

2010-03-30T00:08:25Z

Interview with Kelly Siefkin, Communication Director for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Who is your "rock" and why?
I am lucky to have lots of rocks in my life, including my family and friends, but the most wonderful rock in my life the past few weeks has been the kind and caring volunteers at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. They have come together to help me cope with the loss of my beloved dog, Rocket. Bringing me treats and hugs, sharing stories and poems about their furry friends and, most importantly, providing a shoulder to cry on. Their dedication to serving families in need keeps me grounded and focused on the importance of our daily work.

Have you ever been anyone else's "rock"?
I hope so.

What are your thoughts about last year's Race for the Rock?
What a fantastic and fun event! I can’t wait to see thousands of people on bikes swarm downtown Sacramento again this year!

What is your role with this year's Race for the Rock and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS)?
This year, I’m sitting on the Race for the Rock committee and helping to secure sponsors, recruit participants, solicit t-shirt designs, communicate with the media and more! I encourage everyone to check out www.racefortherock.com if they haven’.

How long have you been supporting SFBFS?
Four years ago I became connected with SFBFS through a wonderful volunteer opportunity and have been an employee for three years. I also used to live in East Sacramento and cheer on runners each Thanksgiving for Run to Feed the Hungry.

If you are participating in this year's race, what are you looking forward to the most?
The hard clues and the great after-party!

What is one thing about SFBFS the public might not realize but should know?
How many diverse programs are offered, food is only one service. SFBFS also offers clothing, adult education, parenting supplies, a variety of youth programs, healing through art and much more, all at no cost!

Anything else you'd like to add?
I encourage everyone to become part of SFBFS’ mission in some capacity. Participate in an event, lead a donation drive, organize a volunteer outing for your office, become a donor, sponsor an event, refer families in need. At a minimum, come down for a tour and see what SFBFS accomplishes every day.

For more information and to register as a participant, please visit www.racefortherock.com.