News

Monday, September 24, 2012

It’s a Bird, it’s a Plane...No, It’s Roosevelt Third Grader Jacob Mansbach

Last week, at the end of an all-school awards assembly on Friday, energetic third grader Jacob Mansbach was called to the stage for special recognition. Jacob was recognized by Foodbank Santa Barbara County's Director of Development Jane Lindsey, for his inspiring contribution to Foodbank. Jacob is a triathlete, and he successfully completed the Santa Barbara Triathlon.

Actually, the journey began when he was a second grader. Jacob began competing in August 2011 when he successfully completed the Santa Barbara Triathlon Parent-Child course. That same school year, he finished two more triathlons. The seasoned triathlete decided to to help his community so he signed up for his fourth triathlon on August 26, 2012. His goals were two-fold: raise $4,000 for the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County and cross the finish line of the Santa Barbara Triathlon sprint course. Actually, there was a third goal. According to his mom, Jennifer Mansbach, "Jacob wanted kids in Santa Barbara to see that triathlons are fun and that kids can help their community."

Being a young man on a mission, Jacob spent part of his summer vacation asking friends and family for donations to benefit Foodbank. Jacob was already familiar with the organization's work in the community. According to a Foodbank news release, "Jacob first established a relationship with the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County earlier this year when he volunteered at the warehouse. He helped to fill backpacks with fruits, vegetables and other nutritious food for the non-profit’s BackPack Program, which focuses on helping homeless and transient children get the nutrition they need during the weekend, when they may not be receiving meals elsewhere."

To reach his fundraising goal, Jacob stood in front of grocery stores and asked people to donate money. He put up posters in businesses downtown. He talked to people about what he was doing and soon the donations started coming. In under two months Jacob raised $4,610 for Foodbank.

Goal 1 completed. Goal 2 to go...

Goal number 2 was to cross the triathlon finish line. As Mrs. Mansbach explains, "A triathlon involves three sports in one event: swimming, biking, and running. In a sprint course, athletes swim 500 yards in the ocean. This takes about 15 minutes without stopping. Then they quickly change out of their wetsuits and throw on their shoes and helmets and hop on their bikes for a six-mile bike ride, usually while still dripping wet. Then they drop off their bikes and run two miles before they cross the finish line."

Jacob reached the second goal. He was the event's youngest competitor and he finished in 1 hour 4 minutes, a full 14 minutes faster than his time last year. Jacob says the best thing about being in triathlons is the feeling of crossing the finish line.

Jacob was the top athlete fundraiser for the Santa Barbara Triathlon. He raised more money for Foodbank than any of the 1,200 competitors in the event. He has been honored for this accomplishment with the Barbara Warren Community Spirit Award from the Santa Barbara Triathlon. The Barbara Warren Community Spirit Award plaque is hung on the wall in the Cabrillo Bath House, next to East Beach Grill. Each year the athlete who raises the most money for our annual beneficiary, will have their name engraved on a plate and added to the plaque.

Congratulations Jacob Mansbach!