The Viewfinder: MVPAL 5K Run

Kids in Mountain View can count on at least $33,000 to go toward a new bus to transport them to activities next summer.

That's the amount raised by the Mountain View Police Activities League's (MVPAL) from the 279 people who registered to participate in the event on Saturday, Nov. 5. The fundraiser will help MVPAL, a non-profit organization which provides after-school and summer activities to at-risk youth, procure a bus to shuttle kids , tennis and .

"I think it exceeded all of our expectations from an organizational point of view and from community involvement," said Chief Scott Vermeer, . "Many people have come to me and said they enjoyed it and how meaningful it was to support a good cause."

Perhaps the largest contingent of runners came from one company—Creation Technology.

"As a company, we focus on giving back to the community and this is great," said David Longshore, an employee at the Santa Clara-based electronic manufacturing company.

A total of 72 people signed up and even more donated, according to team coordinator Jennie Tran.

Colleague Marty Gee added, "and we love kids and transportation for kids!"

Since 2006, MVPAL has established a myriad of programs for local youth. The "PAL Camporee" take children camping with MVPD officers. "Dreams and Futures," developed as a gang prevention program, has now become a summer day camp, and along with the Sunnyvale Police Department, MVPAL hosts the for two weeks each summer.

But in addition to the 5K being a fundraiser, it also served as an opportunity to meet personal goals.

"This is the first time I ever did it," said Nelly Rodriguez about running the race. She finished in 45 minutes. "It was hard but I feel good."

Correction at 4:15 p.m.: The total amount raised was $33,000 not $3,300.