San Mateo County Department of Child Support Services Puts Their Feet, Wallet and Heart to Work

For the tenth year in a row the San Mateo County Department of Child Support Services put their feet to the ground and their money where it matters, the San Mateo County Heart Walk.

San Mateo DCSS raised more than $5,200 for the American Heart Association through various creative fundraisers throughout the several months prior to the San Mateo County Heart Walk event.

The fundraising, coordinated by David Carlos, Child Support Supervisor and Chairperson of the San Mateo DCSS Spirit Committee, begins at least six months before the event. The committee coordinated fundraising events such as salad bars, bake sales, scavenger hunt as well as “penny wars” that get really exciting and full of friendly competition between San Mateo DCSS units. This year was the highest amount raised for the event at $5,252.  

“Our staff are very passionate about giving back to the community,” said Dawn Sparks, San Mateo DCSS Child Support Supervisor. “We have many people in the office who are dedicated to raising money for the heart walk because it hits close to home.”

The Heart Walk event is a county initiative and each county department that wants to participate typically start to fundraise at least six months before the event. San Mateo DCSS had 21 employees on the committee this year and all contributed to social media marketing and fundraising and organizing the department events. San Mateo DCSS is located in the county building so employees from other county departments as well as members of the public who visit the offices also participate in the fundraising events.

After the fundraising events are done, it’s time for the “The Walk.” This year’s Heart Walk was held at Oracle Arena on Thursday, October 20th with people from county departments, private corporations and more participating in the three-mile walk, though some choose to walk only a mile.

Many of the San Mateo DCSS staff wore decorated shirts and tutus to add to the excitement and celebration of the event.

In addition to helping those struggling with heart disease, the fundraising and annual Heart Walk event helps boost employee morale and engagement.

“We have a young staff,” said Sparks. “This generation wants more than just coming to work every day, it’s about relationship building and building a community.”

One San Mateo DCSS employee raises more than $1,000 year after year for the event and enjoys the VIP experience at the Heart Walk full of goodie bags and special access.

"Our employees care about health and well-being, but also enjoy friendly competition, said Kim Cagno, Director of San Mateo County DCSS. “What better way to demonstrate their commitment to children and families than raising funds for the American Heart Association."

###