Over 6,500 Participants Attend the 15th Annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run
On Saturday, December 7, Opportunity Village hosted the 15th annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run in Downtown Las Vegas and were able to gather 6,644 Santa participants from across the world, including 6 countries and 43 states (Pictured:Mena Hawkins – Photo credit: LaLa Photography).
All proceeds from the Las Vegas Great Santa Run will go towards the programs and services for adults with disabilities at Opportunity Village.
The race, presented by Circle K, kicked off at the Fremont Street Experience and featured numerous special guests, including 5K Grand Marshal A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, 1-mile Marshals The Chippendales, Santa Claus, Mayor Carolyn Goodman, former Mayor Oscar Goodman, and the organization’s all-Elvis dance troupe – The OV Elvi.
15th annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run
“For 15 years, we’ve been honored to host the Great Santa Run in wonderful Downtown Las Vegas in support of adults with disabilities,” said Adam K. Joseph, Vice President of Philanthropy at Opportunity Village. “This truly could not be done without the Southern Nevada community. From our vendors to volunteers to long-time partners, we’re absolutely thrilled with the support and outcome.”
Additional pre-race entertainment was provided by Gabriella Versace of SEXXY: The Show, Zumba by Kat and Jjohn, a Fit4Mom workout to the late George Dare’s “Run Santa Run”, DJ Mikey P, DJ Jesse Estrada, and mascots from the Vegas Golden Nights, Las Vegas Aces and Las Vegas Aviators. The starting line stage and after-party entertainment stage were hosted by Mark Shunock of Monday’s Dark and featured an impressive line-up of entertainment including Empire Records, WOW! The Vegas Spectacular, Celestia, Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel in Concert, and Kung Pow (DJ).
All Las Vegas Great Santa Run participants received a five-piece Santa suit with their registration and a commemorative medal upon completion. Another highlight of the event was Mena Hawkins, an inspirational young woman with cerebral palsy, not only crossing the finish line, but also raising over $7,200 for Opportunity Village in her fundraising efforts.
More information on Mena Hawkins can be found HERE.