Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Peckler Relay raises funds, honors memory of family

By Shari Kaplan

The second annual CASA/Peckler Memorial Relay, which raises funds for local charities and honors the memory of Los Gatans Jim, Jill and Jeff Peckler--who were killed Jan. 17, 1997, by a drunken driver-- is on tap for Sunday, Oct. 18, at 8 a.m. Last year's relay raised approximately $26,000.

The event again begins at Douglas B. Miller Point near the banks of Lexington Reservoir and consists of a 15-mile course through the hills, trails and parks of Los Gatos. The eight different legs of the relay range from 0.9 miles to 4.1 miles, so runners and walkers of all levels may participate.

Individuals may pick certain portions at $25 per leg or run the whole race for $50.

The cost for a team whose members are all teenagers or younger is $10 per person. The cost for an organized team of up to eight runners is $160 before Sept. 15. After this deadline, the fee goes up to $200. Many different team divisions are available, including under 50, over 50, corporate teams, service clubs, school/student combos and families. CASA can also place individuals on teams if they request it.

Following the race, outstanding individuals and teams will receive awards and can enjoy food, drinks and entertainment at Los Gatos High School, the relay's finishing point. Proceeds benefit Community Against Substance Abuse (CASA), The Teen Counseling Center of the West Valley and A Place for Teens, also known as The Outhouse.

CASA, founded in 1984, focuses on changing current attitudes toward drug and alcohol use through education, parent networking, community forums, peers helping peers and positive alternative activities and healthy choices for teenagers.

The Teen Counseling Center offers psychological services to teenagers and families, providing guidance in communication and behavior management as well as counseling on issues such as family conflicts, eating disorders, anxiety, grief, physical, emotional and sexual abuse and chemical dependency. Last year the center assisted more than 1,000 clients.

For registration forms or information about the Relay, call Joanne Rodgers at 356-1858, Lisa Richardson at 358-4915 or Tina Brown at 395-7119. Entry forms are also available online at www.TheSchedule.com or from the following Los Gatos businesses: Athletic Performance, The Runner's Factory and The Fitness Clinic.

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