The second annual Save Our Foundation (SOY) Monster Dash proved a fun precursor to Halloween with the young and young at heart coming out in costume to support the non-profit’s fundraiser. Participants in the event, held at Camana Bay 22 October, ranged from a small ninja turtle to a giant banana.

The money raised from registration fees and corporate sponsors will help fund SOY’s youth-centred initiatives held throughout the year, including the SOY Achievement Medallion Awards, the SOY Club, the SOY Community Service Awards, SOY Student of the Month Awards and the SOY Second Chance Programme.

Last year’s fastest runners again took top honours, with Derek Larner and Juan Pablo Valerio finishing first in the adult and youth category, respectively.

SOY president Iris Stoner said she was encouraged by the larger turnout for this year’s event and grateful for all the community and corporate support. “As this is a relatively new event on Cayman’s fundraising calendar, we were very gratified to have more people take part, especially youngsters and families,” she said.

“The atmosphere was great and everyone was very positive about participating. It was fantastic to see so many people running in costume.”

Stoner noted that SOY is a small organisation with great ambitions to empower and motivate Cayman’s youth, so fundraising and public support is crucial.

In addition, she wanted to thank all the sponsors who donated money and resources to make the Monster Dash a success. “Once again, Dart came through with donating the great venue of Camana Bay for the race route,” she said. “Plus, we want to thank The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman for continued logistical, financial and personnel support, not to mention prizes.”

This year the corporate community also stepped up to offer much-needed sponsorship with SteppingStones, Baraud, Aon, CML, Affinity, the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort and The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman all contributing funds, or in kind, to support SOY.

The foundation was also grateful to Progressive Distributors for supplying refreshments; and Book Nook, Abacus, Rohelio’s Car Care Centre, G’s & Gents, Kirk Market and Winners Circle Sports for donating prizes.

The SOY Foundation is already planning next year’s event, with a tentative date set of Saturday, 14 October 2017.

“We are looking forward to making the Monster Dash bigger and better every year. We hope to see even more people join this fun event in 2017 with their friends and families and, of course, wearing costumes,” Stoner said.

For more information, email SOY at [email protected].