SCV Boys & Girls Club, the City to Host Day for Kids Sept. 24

SANTA CLARITA (Sept. 20, 2011)-- The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley and the City of Santa Clarita are gearing up for their annual Day for Kids celebration on Sat., Sept. 24 from 12-5 p.m. at Newhall Park, located at 24923 Newhall Avenue (between Hart High School and Placerita Junior High) in Santa Clarita.

More than 6,000 people are expected throughout the afternoon at this sixth annual event. The community is invited to enjoy free food, games, face painting, temporary tattoos, cartoon caricatures, entertainment, laser tag, magic performers, and bouncers. Each child (age 17 and under) will receive five free raffle tickets to try to win one of dozens of raffle prizes.

"This event encourages active play between young people and adults," said Jim Ventress, chief professional officer for the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley. "Day for Kids gives parents and children a chance to create a special moment together and to enjoy everything absolutely free."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, less than one-third of high school youth meet the recommended levels of physical activity. Active play is great for young people and fosters creativity, imagination exploration and helps to develop and master various skills.  Through Day for Kids, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) is encouraging every American to play a part in ensuring a brighter future for young people by motivating them to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Businesses, churches, and other nonprofits participate in Day for Kids by operating a free kids' activity or game in their booth.

"This is a great day that brings many of our community partners together to offer kids a fun day in the park," Patrick Downing, Arts and Events supervisor for the City of Santa Clarita, said.

Among the free special guests and entertainment this year are Dan Benson (best known as Zeke in Disney's "Wizards of Waverly Place"), Ramsey Elena (a local 6-year-old who made her TV debut on "General Hospital"), Alexis Colcord (an SCV native with a passion for acting and performing), Nicholas Benson (best known as Derrick in "High School Musical"), and Brieanna James (a finalist in Inland Idol twice).  Dancers from Elite Dance Studio will be making several performances and providing backup to other acts.

Groups providing the free food this year include the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley (hot dogs), Castaic Lake Water Agency (water), Chick Fil-A (chicken, fruit, dessert), YMCA (healthy snack), and Crossroads Community Church (snow cones).

This year's silver sponsors include Walmart, Disney, Crossroads Community Church, and UnionBank.  Other sponsors are Mountasia Family Fun Center, the YMCA, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SOS Entertainment, Chick Fil-A, Castaic Lake Water Agency, Merrill Lynch, and Coca Cola.  The Signal, KHTS-AM, The Magazine of Santa Clarita, and Radio Disney are media sponsors.