Hot Chocolate Run 2025

You can change someone’s life. You might even save a life.

Team Spotlight: Princesses of Power — Sparkles, Strength, and $51,000 for Safe Passage

The Princesses of Power (PoP) first came together for the Hot Chocolate Run in 2021, but the spirit of the team had been brewing for years. Co-captains Josh and Aubrey had long loved bringing friends together for athletic events, and the Run—with its deep roots in the Valley and mission they care deeply about—was the perfect fit.

The team’s name was inspired by Josh’s pandemic binge of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, a show that became “a true beacon of light during those dark days.” But for the PoP crew, “princesshood” is reimagined—gender-inclusive, non-monarchistic, and open to anyone ready to don sparkles, rainbows, and shine. As they say, anyone can be a Princess of Power.

That spirit of inclusion has fueled the team’s incredible growth: 20 members in 2021, 39 in 2024, and a total of 61 different people who have worn the PoP crown at least once. From runners chasing new personal records to walkers there for the joy of costumes and community, everyone has a place. Together, they’ve raised more than $51,000 for Safe Passage.

For PoP, the fun doesn’t stop at the finish line. After the race, the group gathers at FitzWilly’s for their own “awards banquet.” Josh pulls out his laptop to crunch post-race numbers, and prizes are handed out for categories like Best-Dressed, Top Fundraiser, Fastest, Slowest, and even Most-Average Princess. “It’s fun to spend time together as a group and congratulate everyone for their contributions,” they share.

But behind the laughter, glitter, and inside jokes lies a deeper motivation. “Every person in the group has their own story about how domestic violence has touched their life or the life of someone they care about. We’re so grateful these resources exist in our community.” Supporting Safe Passage isn’t just important to them—it’s personal.

The Princesses have also become known for their creative fundraising strategies. Their WhatsApp channel keeps the team connected, and they encourage everyone to make personalized asks, leaning into meaningful conversations about why Safe Passage matters. Facebook has been a reliable tool for many members, and a little healthy competition with other teams keeps things exciting. “The whole experience is a win for everyone,” they say.

Some of the team’s most cherished memories come from seeing their community literally grow. In recent years, several babies have been “born into the Princess of Power dynasty,” sparking a new post-race tradition: the Running for Two award. “We can’t wait to watch these kiddos grow up and start running themselves,” they share with pride.

For the Princesses of Power, the Hot Chocolate Run is more than a race. It’s a chance to live out their values with joy and color—to raise vital funds, lift up one another, and prove that anyone, with a dash of sparkle, can be a Princess of Power.