Opportunity Village’s ‘Las Vegas Great Santa Run’ CELEBRATES 10th Anniversary On December 6

Santa Claus is coming to Downtown Las Vegas for the 10^th anniversary of Opportunity Village’s largest annual fundraiser, the Las Vegas Great Santa Run®, on Saturday, December 6, 2014. This marks not only a notable year of the iconic event, but also the 60th anniversary of Opportunity Village, the beloved Las Vegas non-profit.

Thousands of Saint Nicholas lookalikes will race, run, and walk to raise funds for Opportunity Village. Santa Clauses will have the choice of participating in a 5K and one-mile Kris Kringle Jingle walk that passes numerous Downtown Las Vegas landmarks and historic sites. As in years’ past, the Great Santa Run will engage participants with costume contests, live entertainment, food, celebrity appearances, and much more, as local businesses will join in on the celebration in support of Opportunity Village.

The Great Santa Run raises funds and awareness for Opportunity Village’s programs, which provide unparalleled opportunities, enrichment and support to nearly 3,000 citizens with disabilities and their families throughout the Las Vegas Valley. This fundraising event has been the reigning champion of the “World Santa Challenge” for three consecutive years and hopes to uphold that tradition in 2014.

Registration is now open for the 2014 Great Santa Run and is priced at $45 for individuals; $40 per person on a team of five or more; and $30 for children under 17-years-old. Registration includes a five piece Santa suit and a runner goody bag from event sponsors. Participants are also encouraged to bring their canine companions, who can join in on the fun for $10 and receive a doggie bag full of treats and toys. Registration is available on the Great Santa Run website.

Opportunity Village is a not-for-profit organization that serves people in our community with significant intellectual disabilities, enriching their lives and the lives of the families who love them by providing meaningful work and life experiences. Recently voted by Las Vegas Review-Journal readers for “Best Community Organization,” for the second year in a row, Opportunity Village is Nevada’s largest employer of people with disabilities. Serving nearly 3,000 individuals annually, Opportunity Village provides its “OVIPs” with vocational training, employment, habilitation and social recreation programs and services to make their lives more productive and interesting.

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2014

Time: 8 a.m.: Registration and entertainment begin

10 a.m.: 5K run starts, with one-mile walk following

Location: Downtown Las Vegas

Website: LasVegasSantaRun.org

Twitter: @GreatSantaRunLV, @OppVillageLV