Don't Miss Saratoga's Foodie Fun on the Run Today!

From May to October, the Saratoga Gateway Business community planned to help others and do a little community outreach in their neighborhood where they do business.

They held food truck events on the fourth Friday of every month picking a charity every time. Their final gathering of the season is today, 4-8 p.m. Saturday, oct. 27 at 12341 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Rd. in Saratoga. Park behind the Alameda Family Funeral Home.

There will be a Halloween theme to it this month, and a costume contest will be held at 7 p.m. Kids, teens and adults might win something fun for best, scariest and funniest costume.

Prizes so far are a two-week membership to United Studios of Self Defense, specialized training with 4Everfit, movie theater tickets, Jamba Juice certificates and various gift baskets full of fun treats.

I got a tip that Smokey the Bear will be showing up to give everyone fire safety tips!

There will be a special dance performance by local students at 4 p.m. and the band KJ & M will be playing throughout the event.

Foodie Fun on the Run has been hugely successful, raising money for America Cancer Society- Relay For Life, YSI (Youth Science Institute), the Saratoga Senior Center, Saratoga High School Booster Clubs, West Valley Community Services and now this month Saratoga Chamber of Commerce.  All nonprofits have been hit hard by the sour economy, so a boost of $2,805.62 is welcomed by these local charities.

At this new model of an event in Saratoga, “crowd gathering” happens with the food trucks circling in a wagon wheel style.

The event has had vendors that are local businesses and there will be about 20 one at this one. Dr. Melissa Ko will be on hand for advice about your back, your body and health. Emily Risberg from United Studios of Self Defense will be there to give self defense tips and techniques. She has some handouts that have information about anti-bullying and child safety.

Debra Cummins, president of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, had this to say about the event: “Great food! Great music! What a wonderful way to have fun and support the community. The Ladies from the Gateway have done a wonderful job of infusing more business traffic to their center and now want to support the other Saratoga centers as well. They are a big part of why people want to live, do business and visit Saratoga. Don't miss this event.”

Since the event has been so successful, there are plans to bring it back in 2013.

"The Gateway food truck event has been a wonderful opportunity for small businesses to come together with the community they serve to have fun while raising money for the deserving non-profits who also serve the people of Saratoga and beyond,” said Brenda Kashuba owner of 4EverFit.

Kashuba has been participating in the planning of the Foodie Fun On The Run since April of this year.

Other organizations that helped to create the event were the Alameda Family Funeral & Cremation and Azule Salon.

Food trucks coming to the Halloween Foodie Fun event are Sam’s Chowder Mobile, Waffle Amore, Arabian Bites, Tako MOD MEX, MoGo BBQ Teh Truck and Oh Miso Hungary!

The Saratoga Gateway Businesses set up a Facebook page to share information about the events, post photos and create a bond with the community in the area.

Volunteers for setup and clean up are needed. Please email if you are interested in helping: saratogagateway@gmail.com