Ride, run, rejoice at Pinellas County Sheriff's Office annual holiday fundraiser

Years ago, deputies with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office passed a hat around during the holidays to collect donations for the needy children they encountered on patrol.

Then a couple of sergeants had an idea: Why not create a family-friendly outdoor event and open it up to the public?

Fifteen years later, in 2008, the Ride and Run With the Stars fundraiser garnered $38,000 that bought presents and necessities for more than 500 children throughout Pinellas County.

This year's 16th annual fundraiser will be held Saturday at Fort De Soto Park. Proceeds benefit the Sheriff's Christmas Sharing Project, which provides food, clothing and toys to disadvantaged children, crime victims and families in need.

"The families we help, they don't ask for things like Wii and electronic games," Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Marianne Pasha said. "They're asking for things they can wear to school or to church, or things to read. The requests are for things like socks, underwear, crayons, notebook paper and books."

All of the children and families are recommended by agency staffers. Later this month, the employees will shop from wish lists to make sure that each person gets what he or she needs.

"We'll spend that money in a little over two hours," Pasha said. "I mean, it's just amazing."

The fundraiser, which begins at 8 a.m. and goes until about noon, includes cycling, running and walking events, a silent auction, a free children's bike rodeo, a climbing wall, food and displays by the Sheriff's Office.

And don't be surprised to catch an early glimpse of jolly Old St. Nick, Pasha said. Santa and Mrs. Claus will get a lift to the park in a Sheriff's Office helicopter.