Chasing Dreams, Finding Cures barrel-racing Fundraiser will be November 7 & 8 in King City sets goal of $30,000 for St. Jude’s

KING CITY, Calif., — Each year, the parents of more than 13,000 kids hear the heartbreaking words: “Your child has cancer.” That’s 43 children every day, with an average age of 6. Across all ages, ethnic groups and socio-economics, cancer remains the number one cause of death by disease in children.

 St. Jude Children’s Hospital stands on the front line of this battle. The pediatric treatment and research facility — focused on children's catastrophic diseases, particularly leukemia and other cancers — costs about $2.8 million a day to run, but patients are never charged for their care.

Fundraising becomes crucial for St. Jude’s, with 75 percent of costs covered by public contributors. Over the last three years, Chasing Dreams, Finding Cures has raised $53,000 for the hospital through its annual barrel race in King City.

The fourth annual fundraiser (working through A Key for a Cure) is scheduled for Nov. 7-8 at Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City, and organizers invite the public to be a part of making magic happen again.

 All proceeds donated will fund innovative pediatric cancer research, which is a less-toxic immunotherapy treatment that utilizes advanced medical technology to reprogram cancer cells.

  The fundraiser has set a goal to bring in another $30,000 this year. Sponsorships are available at different levels, from Silver ($150) to Saddle ($1,600). Silent auction item donations are also needed.

The two-day event begins with a dinner, dance and live auction on Nov. 7, 5:30-10 p.m., at Salinas Valley Fairgrounds, 625 Division St., in King City. Music will be provided by the Steve Bernal Band, with auctioneer John Flook leading the auction. Spectators are welcome to the barrel race on Nov. 8.

For more information call 831-524-0324.