Rio Linda Elverta Chamber of Commerce members, along Rio Linda Honorary Mayor’s Race candidates, pose with a check made out to Higher Ground Apostolic Church. Photo courtesy of Tonia Silva

RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - The 2024 Rio Linda Honorary Mayor’s Race was a resounding success, raising more than $13,000 for local charities.

The funds will benefit a variety of organizations, including Sisters in Christ from LifePointe Church, the American Legion, the Rio Linda Lion’s Club, Country Lions Club and the Rio Linda Bible Quizzers from Higher Ground Apostolic Church.

Justin Green, who represented the American Legion, was the big winner of the race, raising over $5,000 for the veterans’ organization. Kambria Silva, who raised more than $2,200, was also among the top fundraisers and earned the title of Jr. Mayor. In a heartwarming display of community spirit, all candidates received checks for their chosen charities.

The Honorary Mayor's position is a longstanding tradition in Rio Linda, with no official duties, but the role often includes opportunities such as throwing the first pitch at the Little League opening day or participating in the Annual Christmas Parade. The Mayor's Race is open to all charitable organizations within Rio Linda and Elverta, and each organization takes home 75% pf what they raise for their charity, with the remaining 25% supporting the Chamber of Commerce, and covering the costs of the race.

This year, Silva was one of two Junior candidates, alongside Nolan, who ran on behalf of the Country Lions Club. Nolan, along with his father, helped raise over $1,500 for the Country Lions Club.

The Junior Mayor position, which had been inactive for several years, was revived after the discovery of a photo from more than 30 years ago, showing both a Mayor and a Junior Mayor in the same year. The Chamber of Commerce decided it was time to reintroduce this tradition, giving young people an opportunity to be involved in the community in meaningful ways.

On Nov. 2, the Rio Linda/Elverta Chamber of Commerce hosted an awards banquet at LifePointe Church to honor the candidates and the Community Champion. Forrest Johnson, representing Supervisor Sue Frost’s office, attended the event to present the winners with official certificates from Sacramento County.

Dan Welch, the Community Champion for 2024, shared his gratitude for the role models who have shaped his journey, including Tabitha Worth, Shirley Breckenridge, Charlea Moore, Stacey Bastian and Tonia Silva.

“I’m on the lookout for local youth who are actively trying to better themselves through hard work and determination,” Welch said, emphasizing his desire to support young people striving to do great things in the community.

Green, a man of few words, humbly accepted his title as Honorary Mayor. He represented the American Legion well and was able to raise an outstanding amount of money for his charity. He succeeds Katherine Shermer, who also ran in support of the organization in 2023.

Silva, the newly elected Junior Mayor, was inspired by the opportunity to make a difference.

She shared her motivation in running, quoting 1 Timothy 4:12: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

Silva explained, “I want young people to know that they can do great things even when they are young, and that you should not shy away from a challenge because of your age.”

Silva will participate in the Christmas Parade on Dec. 14, passing out candy and making her mark as a Junior Mayor dedicated to community service. While the position is largely ceremonial, Silva hopes to use her title to serve the communities of Rio Linda and Elverta in a meaningful way.

This year’s Honorary Mayor's Race not only raised significant funds for local charities, but also sparked a renewed sense of community involvement, with both young and adult candidates contributing to the spirit of service that defines Rio Linda and Elverta.

The Rio Linda Chamber of Commerce has doubled its membership in recent years and is dedicated to strengthening local businesses by encouraging community involvement in order to stimulate growth and confidence within the local economy.