Infineon Raceway brought the holiday spirit to over 500 people during their 4th annual Race to the Holidays Christmas Party. The event consisted of caroling, food and drinks, face-painting, race cars and a visit from Santa Claus and two of his elves. The 250 children attending the party each received a bag full of toys from Santa.

The annual event has become a favorite of both parents and children over the years. Bringing holiday cheer to families, the Christmas party is fun for all.

“The teen parents in our program ask about the party every year,” Tracy Dorrance, coordinator of the Cal-SAFE Teen Parent Program in Sonoma explained.  “It almost means more to the mothers than the babies because they can enjoy the gifts, but they also know it’s important for their children to see Santa.”

Since its beginning in 2005, the annual Race to the Holidays Christmas Party has entertained over 900 children in the Sonoma Valley of California.

“This party is really great because I know during this time of year, some people don’t have a lot of money, so it’s nice to come here with my brother and sister to see Santa and get some toys,” Maricela Jauregui said.  Maricela is a twelve-year-old who signed up with the Boys and Girls Club.

“My favorite part was getting my picture taken with Santa,” Jauregui’s eight-year-old  brother, Estevan added. “I told him what I want for next year, so that was fun too.” 

All children who attended the party were pre-registered through one of the following Sonoma Valley youth groups: Hannah Boys Center; La Luz; Teen Parent Program; Valley of the Moon Boys and Girls Club; Valley of the Moon Teen Center; Stand By Me Mentoring; Valley of the Moon Teen Center; and Willmar Center for Bereaved Children. Every child who attended also received a free toothbrush, courtesy of DeVincenzi & Sorstadt in Sonoma. 

The Infineon Raceway received a donation of over 600 toys for the local community.