Our Annual Events:

Well here we are already two months into the New Year and so much is happening in the world of PAAF. We are in full swing for our charity fundraising events for the year and look forward to putting on very exciting events.

PAAF is starting off the year with the Citywide Track and Field Meet in San Jose on May 21st, 2006. This is our third year sponsoring this amazing event along with the City of San Jose. It is open to all kids between the ages of 10 and 14 and is FREE to any and all who apply. The goal for this year is to have over 600 kids participate and get to experience the thrill of athletic competition. The two top winners in each age category get to participate in the Hershey’s Nor-Cal State Track Meet at San Jose City College on June 17th and represent the City of San Jose. And if the kids place high enough in the State track meet, they get to represent the State of California at the Hersheys National Track Meet in Hershey, PA in July. PAAF would like to thank Judi Baxter for all the hard work she puts into making this event a success and by allowing PAAF to be a part of it.

PAAF is also planning it’s 5th Annual Golf Tournament at Coyote Creek Golf Course in San Jose on August 11th, 2006. Money raised from this event will go to our very successful EastValley YMCA Holiday Toy Drive. In 2005, PAAF was able to donate over 600 gifts to children of the EastValley YMCA After School Program, in large part thanks to the money raised from last years golf tournament. This year PAAF will be able to offer on-line registration for the event. More information will be coming out in the next few weeks.

PAAF is also planning to hold a charity hockey game between the San Jose Police Department and the San Jose Fire Department in October, 2006. There will also be former members of the San Jose Sharks playing for both sides, so keep checking back for more details.

And finally, PAAF is very excited to host the 1st Annual “Tour de Ventage” – Ride for the Children Charity Bike race on September 2nd, 2006. This event will be a bike ride through the beautiful Livermore Wine Country with the opportunity to explore the many local wineries before the Annual Livermore Harvest Festival. This event will raise funds for the Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. We could not think of a more worthwhile group and we are ecstatic to be able to help.

SJPD Weight Room Update:

As many of you know, PAAF has invested over $21,000 to upgrade and improve the SJPD weightroom. The equipment has been ordered and will be here within the month. The old equipment will be donated to PAL for their Boxing Program. I’m very excited that PAAF has been able to give a little something back to our members. To all our members who utilize this new equipment, enjoy and thank you for supporting PAAF.

Our Members:

During the past few months, I have really been trying to think of ways to give back to the most important people – our members. Over the years, PAAF has given away t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and gym bags as small tokens of our appreciation to the hundreds of members who donate to PAAF. My goal this year is to do more and provide more for our members, because without you, PAAF would not exist. I’m hoping to put together a member appreciation dinner, much like the Annual Keith Kelly BBQ for all of PAAF’s members later on this year. I will keep you updated and again, THANK YOU!