Foster children in Ventura County are getting a boost with an event over the weekend that raised money and awareness for their cause. The 4th annual HOPE4Kids Run &Festival was held on Saturday at the Camarillo Community Center Park.
Among hundreds of people who attended was 11-year-old Esmeralda Gutierrez, who was once a foster kid.
"It changed my life so much," she said. "Now I have support in school and options to do my dream. I'm so grateful for that."
The event included a 5K, 10K and Kids Mile and a festival with nearly 60 vendor booths, a silent auction and activities. It also featured a gallery of foster youth where attendees could hear the children’s stories and speak with social workers on how they can get involved.
Organizers say they expect this festival to raise more than $60,000, which will benefit hundreds of foster children with orthodontic care, extracurricular activities, sports, camps, arts and more.