Randy Jones Run/Walk for Independence 5K.

For the past 8 years, Home of Guiding Hands (HGH) and Cy Young Award-winning pitcher, Randy Jones, have partnered to make independence possible for people with developmental disabilities. On February 17th, HGH and Jones, who has been an integral part of the San Diego community since winning baseball’s highest pitching honor, will once again join forces for the 8th Annual Randy Jones Run/Walk for Independence 5K.

In 1976, Randy Jones was named the National League Cy Young Award winner for his pitching abilities and has become a beloved San Diegan ever since. Jones came to be involved with HGH soon after, when he was shopping for ice plant for his new home. At this time, HGH had a campus in Lakeside and operated a nursery onsite. Jones purchased his ice plant, got to know the organization and has been an advocate ever since, working with HGH as a member of the HGH Board of Governors as well as a community partner and spokesman for HGH. In 2009, Jones and HGH came together with a new idea; create a family- friendly, community- based event to raise funds and make independence more achievable for people living with a disability. Thus, the Randy Jones Run/Walk for Independence was born.

Jones shared “I have been impressed for years with all of the services Home of Guiding Hands offers to children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. They provide people with a purpose and don’t focus on what they can’t do, but what they can do.” The objective of the run/walk/roll event is exactly as Jones stated… focusing on what people can do to maximize their individual independence.

HGH is one of the largest providers of support and services in San Diego and Imperial Counties, serving more than 2,500 children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities each year. HGH believes that individuals thrive when they can direct their own lives in a setting that offers a more fulfilling lifestyle, provides individualized attention, increased opportunities for self-sufficiency and encourages greater community integration and access. All funds raised directly benefit the programs and services at Home of Guiding Hands, which has been committed to providing quality community support, critical housing for over 50 years.

The 8th Annual Randy Jones Run/Walk for Independence 5K will take place on February 17, 2018 in Crown Point Park. Participants can run, walk or roll along the bay with picturesque views of San Diego’s skyline, SeaWorld and Mission Bay. The event begins at 8:00 am with popular KSON radio hosts “John and Tammy” as the events Emcees. Randy Jones will host an onsite meet and greet, participants can take photos Randy, the Friar, and Padres “PAD Squad” Ambassadors.

Thanks to Randy Jones and his leadership, this event has raised over $250,000 since its inception eight years ago. Registration is open with Early Bird pricing through February 1st. To register for the Run/Walk visit www.randyjonesrunwalk.org.