The Red Nose Run was started by the Low and Slow Running Club of Del Mar, which consisted of runners of various ages and running abilities, who continue to get together on Saturday mornings. This year the Red Nose Run will be held on Friday, December 19, from 1-4 p.m at Powerhouse Park at Del Mar Beach.
In 1992, the Run initially started benefiting a single charity, Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, which remains one of the two charities the Run benefits to this day. Later a second charity, Semper Fi Fund, was added to benefit from the Run. Over the years, the number of runners and the amount of contributions has grown from 35-40 runners and a few thousand dollars to over 200 runners and $219,000 by 2013. The Run continues to benefit these two deserving non-profit 501 (c) (3) charities. During the past 22 years, Red Nose Run has raised over $219,000 for these two important causes.
There is no overhead cost, other than the Run itself. After the expense of the Run, all funds are distributed to the two charities. The Run raises money for these charities in two ways: an entry fee to participate in the Run and solicitation of cash/non cash contributions directly from businesses. The non-cash contributions (golf clubs, vacations, tours, etc.) are auctioned immediately after the Run and account for a significant amount of the funds raised for the Charities.
After the Run, everyone meets in the Poseidon Restaurant (a perpetual sponsor of the Run) for refreshments, followed by door prizes, recognition of 5K race winners, raffle, live auction and presentation of funds to both charities. It continues to be a very satisfying and enjoyable experience, especially during the season of giving. The RedNose Run is presented by The Low and Slow Running Club of Del Mar.
Fresh Start Surgical Gifts is one of the most dedicated charities for children. We transform the lives of disadvantaged infants, children, and teens suffering from physical deformities caused by birth defects, accidents, abuse, or disease through the gift of reconstructive surgery and related healthcare services. Fresh Start’s vision is to build a community of volunteers committed to seeing that every child with a physical deformity is given the opportunity to have a positive self-image, thereby enriching the lives of both the receiver and giver.
The Semper Fi Fund, and its program America’s Fund, provide immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to post 9/11 wounded, critically ill and injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, and their families, ensuring that they have the resources they need during their recovery and transition back to their communities. Since establishing the Semper Fi Fund in 2004, we’ve issued more than 82,000 grants, totaling more than $99 million in assistance to over 13,000 of our heroes and their families. The Semper Fi Fund was created by a group of Marine Corps spouses nine years ago, and those same women run the Fund today alongside other spouses from all services branches, retired service members, all of whom intimately know the needs of our military families. We have been by our injured and ill service members’ sides from day one, helping them as they navigate lengthy recoveries and rejoin their communities.
