Over 1,000 Kids in Santa Clara County Need a Hero — This Race Is How Silicon Valley Answers the Call

Ten years ago, a Los Altos mom had a simple idea: what if Silicon Valley showed up for its most vulnerable kids?

This Sunday May 17, that idea turns 10. And the need has never been greater.

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The number that stops you cold

Right now — not in some distant statistic, but right now in Santa Clara County — over 1,000 children are living in the foster care system. Every single one of them has experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment. They didn’t choose this. They’re kids. And many of them are navigating courts, schools, and medical systems completely alone — without a single consistent adult who knows their full story and fights for them.

That adult is called a CASA — a Court Appointed Special Advocate. A trained community volunteer, appointed by a judge, who commits to one child for up to 18 months. They show up to every court hearing. They meet the teachers. They call the doctors. They make sure that child’s voice is actually heard by the people making life-changing decisions about them.

Here’s what happens when a foster child has a CASA: their high school graduation rate jumps from 58% to over 85%.

One person. Twenty-seven percentage points. A completely different life trajectory for the kid.

Right now, not every foster child in Santa Clara County who needs a CASA has one.

That’s why people run

The 10th Annual Foster5K Race + Kids Dash — presented by Rubrik — is happening Sunday May 17 at Martial Cottle Park in San Jose. Every dollar raised goes directly to Child Advocates of Silicon Valley to recruit, train and support CASA volunteers.

It started as a small community run. This year 400+ participants are expected — families, corporate teams, serious runners, casual walkers, kids doing their own dash — all united by one mission. Ensuring no foster child in Santa Clara County faces life alone.

Debbie Crouse, the Los Altos resident who founded the Foster5K a decade ago, put it simply: “Ten years ago we started this with a dream — that our community could show up for foster kids in a real, tangible way. This 10th anniversary isn’t just a milestone. It’s proof that Silicon Valley cares deeply about its most vulnerable children.”

What race day actually looks like

This isn’t a serious athlete-only event. It’s one of the most joyful mornings in Silicon Valley all year.

The chip-timed 5K kicks off at 9AM — walkers, joggers and runners all welcome at every pace. The Kids Dash follows at 10AM with two distances: the 800M Big Kids Dash for ages 6-10, and the 250M Little Kids Dash for ages 5 and under — free this year. Every child who crosses the finish line gets the same medal as the 5K runners plus a special goodie bag. No pressure. No timer for the kids. Just pure joy.

After the race, the party starts — DJ, top finisher prizes, raffle, and a post-race celebration for all ages. Bring the whole family. Stay for the energy.

This year feels different

May is National Foster Care Month. The Foster5K is turning 10. Nonprofit funding across California is under serious pressure — which means community-driven events like this one aren’t just nice to have. They’re how the CASA program stays alive.

Frederick Ferrer, CEO of Child Advocates of Silicon Valley, said it plainly: “A decade in, this mission has never been more urgent.”

Three ways to be part of it

🏃 Run or walk — register at foster5k.org. Early bird pricing still available.

🙋 Volunteer — no running required. Rebecca Sayed, Foster5K Volunteer Lead, says it best: “You don’t need to run a single step — you just need to show up with energy and heart. The race day energy is absolutely electric.” Email info@foster5k.org.

💛 Donate — can’t make it on the 17th? Every dollar still funds a CASA. foster5k.org

Sunday May 17, 2026 | Martial Cottle Park, 5283 Snell Ave, San Jose | 5K starts 9AM | Kids Dash 10AM
All proceeds benefit Child Advocates of Silicon Valley (Tax ID: 77-0250773)
foster5k.org | info@foster5k.org |