SANTA CRUZ, CA (October 26, 2009) -- Deborah Berkson of Santa Cruz was the lucky winner of a 2010 Toyota Prius in this year’s Drive for Schools fundraiser sponsored by the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Toyota of Santa Cruz. Although it was a tough decision, Berkson ultimately chose $25,000 cash over the Prius. Berkson bought the winning ticket from Del Mar Elementary in Live Oak which raised $5,510 this year.

This year's Drive for Schools was the biggest success ever for the event, hauling in $332,325 in less than 4 weeks; 15% more than last year. More than $1 million has been raised over the past five years. Each participating school keeps 100% of their ticket sales. Valencia Elementary in Aptos led this year’s fundraising, bringing in $24,000. Other big earners were Main Street School in Soquel ($18,000) and Tierra Pacifica charter school in Live Oak ($16,000).

A complete list of winners is posted at www.beachboardwalk.com/driveforschools.

“Toyota of Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk are proud to sponsor this major fundraiser for local schools,” said Boardwalk community relations director Kris Reyes. “It’s rewarding to see local schools and parents take advantage of this opportunity and really make a difference in their school’s bottom line. Knowing that every penny raised stays with each school and keeps important programs alive, makes this a win-win for everyone involved.”

Sixty-one Santa Cruz County schools participated in the 2009 Drive for Schools. The Prius/cash prize and all promotional materials for the fundraiser including tickets and posters were donated by the Boardwalk and Toyota of Santa Cruz. An additional hundred prizes were donated by area businesses.

The Prius/cash prize and all promotional materials for the fundraiser including tickets and posters were donated by the Boardwalk and Toyota of Santa Cruz. An additional hundred prizes donated by area businesses include gift certificates to local restaurants such as Ristorante Avanti, Sanderlings, Shadowbrook, Café Cruz, Bocci’s Cellar, Soif Wine Bar, Dharmas, and Kianti’s; a 42-inch flat screen TV; Chardonnay II Sailing Charters; Waterford Crystal glasses from Del Williams Jewelers; Roaring Camp train tickets; Great America tickets; an “urban cruiser” bicycle from Dave’s Custom Bikes and Twisselman Enterprises; golf at Pasatiempo, Boulder Creek and Eagle Ridge courses; and overnight stays at the Dream Inn, Hilton Scotts Valley, Monterey Plaza Hotel, and Best Western Seacliff Inn; plus a number of gift baskets and gift certificates.

About the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features both modern and classic thrill rides, restaurants, miniature golf, video game arcades, and family bowling located on a mile of sandy beach. Named the world's Best Seaside Amusement Park by industry experts, the Boardwalk is home to 2 National Historic Landmarks.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is located at 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

For general information, call (831) 426-7433 or (831) 423-5590, email guest.services@beachboardwalk.com or visit www.beachboardwalk.com

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