How a Local Run Raised $22,750 in One Day 🏃

Good morning, SCV. This is The SCV Insider. Welcoming Thursday like Starbucks welcomes the unofficial start of Fall - with open arms and PSLs.

In today’s SCV Insider:

• Runners Club's 40-Year Victory Lap 🏃

• Foster Teens' Retail Therapy 🛍️

• Bikers Rally for PTSD Awareness 🏍️

Let’s get into it.

— Kate

THE DIGEST

Community Spirit in Motion 🏃

If there’s one thing local non-profit running group Santa Clarita Runners knows how to do, it’s putting the ‘fun’ in fundraising. This year, their Independence Day Classic wasn’t just another jog in the park—it was the 40th anniversary of a community staple that’s been powering local high school cross-country teams for decades. With over 1,200 participants, from seasoned athletes to those who might’ve just realized running is cheaper than therapy, this event was bigger than ever.

The club didn’t just rest on its laurels either. They matched last year’s record donation of $22,750, pushing their total contributions since 2011 to more than $190,000. With funds covering everything from uniforms to travel costs, the future of these young athletes is looking brighter—and faster—than ever. Talk about going the distance!

Club President Paola Howard couldn’t be prouder, and honestly, neither could we. For the next run or a chance to toss in your own donation, click HERE.

Trust us, you’ll feel better than after your last 5K—minus the shin splints.

Where Retail Therapy Meets Actual Therapy 🛍️

Back-to-school season can be stressful, especially for the 60,000 kids in California’s foster care system. But thanks to Tidings for Teens, over 175 foster youth in Santa Clarita, Palmdale, and Lancaster got to kick off the new school year with some much-needed retail therapy. Their 10th annual Old Navy shopping event wasn’t just another day at the mall—it was a full-on celebration, complete with face painting, food, and yes, an ice cream truck.

Each foster youth got $125 to spend, with volunteers helping them navigate the racks. The Tidings for Teens team didn’t just make sure these kids look sharp; they made sure they feel supported, giving them one less thing to worry about as they head back to school. And with the event growing every year, the impact only gets bigger.

Learn more HERE!

Riding for a Cause 🏍️

Get ready to rev those engines and shuffle those cards—Blue Star Ranch is hosting its first-ever Motorcycle Poker Ride on September 14, and it’s all for a great cause. This isn’t just about showing off your ride (though that’s definitely a bonus); it’s about raising funds for equine-assisted therapy for veterans dealing with PTSD.

Starting at the Mint Canyon Moose Lodge, the event is packed with everything you’d want: lunch, a poker hand, and a shot at winning the "Best In Show" contest. And for those of you who can’t tell a Royal Flush from a pair of deuces, don’t worry—there’s live music and good company to keep you entertained.

For just $25, you get to ride, eat, and maybe even walk away with a prize, all while supporting a cause that truly matters. So, dust off that leather jacket, polish your bike, and join a ride that’s as meaningful as it is fun.

To register, click HERE!

LOCAL BUSINESS

🐾 City Grants Bring Big Wins for 4 Local Nonprofits

Santa Clarita just rolled out the red carpet for our furry friends, awarding $40,000 in grants to four local animal care nonprofits. The lucky recipients are The Brittany Foundation, Furever Purr Rescue, Golden Years Dog Sanctuary, and Outta the Cage. Looks like Christmas came early for our furry friends!

🥩 Wild Fork Stakes Its Claim

Attention carnivores! Wild Fork has officially opened its doors in Valencia. With over 700 products, including 450 types of meat and seafood, it's like Disneyland for your taste buds. They even have Wagyu beef - because sometimes, you need to remind your arteries who's boss.

No sponsors here, just what you need to know. We'll always tell you when something is sponsored.

LOCAL SPORTS

🏐 TMU Women’s Volleyball

Final Score: 25-20, 25-8, 25-10

The Master's University women's volleyball team started their season by acing their opener against La Sierra University. With a hitting percentage of .435, they're clearly not here to play games. Well, except volleyball.

⚽ TMU Women's Soccer

Final Score: 3-1

The Master's University women's soccer team also brought their A-game, securing a 3-1 victory over Bushnell University. They outshot their opponents 24-4, leaving no doubt about who ruled the field.

LOCAL HAPPENINGS

🍔 Tonight, 4:30 pm - 9:30 pm | Take one look at this video and tell us your mouth isn’t watering. Smash Rodz food truck is rolling up to Lucky Luke's tonight. The SCV Insider team will be attending so come say hi! (We'll be the ones taking notes on proper burger-to-mouth techniques)

🎵 Tonight, 6 pm - 9 pm | Enjoy some tunes with a rooftop view at Pocock Brewing Public House tonight. It's the perfect blend of local music and craft beer under the stars.

📚 Saturday, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Got little ones? Bring them to The Open Book in Canyon Country this Saturday to meet Claudia Donally, the author of “Emily’s Beach Day.” She’s signing books, telling stories, and making your kids’ day.

No sponsors here, just what you need to know. We'll always tell you when something is sponsored.

WEATHER

Weather forecast: Surprisingly tolerable!

Thursday 8/22

87 🌡️ 57 | ☀️ | 💨 SW 18 mph

Friday 8/23

82 🌡️ 55 | ☀️ | 💨 SW 17 mph

Saturday 8/24

81 🌡️ 58 | ☀️ | 💨 SW 14 mph

MYSTERY LINK

Click the link below to unlock your daily feel-good fix.

FROM THE FEED 🤳

This week, we're reflecting on all the reasons why people told us not to start The SCV Insider… and why we did it anyway. 😏

We’re passionate about Santa Clarita, we love supporting local businesses, and we believe in building connections that make our community even stronger.

And on that note—what’s YOUR favorite local business? Hit reply and let us know—let’s give them some love! 🥳

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