First Turkey Trot A Big Success

In case you missed it in the paper Flyer: the first Montlake Turkey Trot in November was a big success. The Montlake Community Club donated $10,000 to the University District Food Bank and helped raise what amounts to 5% of the food bank’s operating budget. Thanks to everyone in Montlake who made this happen–from volunteers, to runners, business owners, and to the neighbors on Lynn who were impacted by the street closure. Here is the complete story from the Flyer…

MCC Board Members Yvonne Werner, Sharsti Sandall, and Bryan Haworth (far right) give the big check to Paul Yunker of the University District Food Bank.

Would there be 50 people or 500? This question framed the discussions during all our pre- Turkey Trot board meetings. It was Sharsti Sandall (MCC secretary) who came up with the idea and decided to “run” with it and make it a reality. Much to our surprise and despite the awful weather, runners and families came in large numbers to support the first ever Montlake 5K Turkey Trot and Kids Run. The final 5K registration tally was 470 and 123 for the kids 1 mile run. This was an event in which many people came together to support a great cause.

Jimmy Addison, a neighbor who owns a race timing business, Rivalry Events, contacted the MCC 5 days prior to the event and volunteered to chip time the 5K. He and his friends showed up on race morning with extra tents and tables and were instrumental to the success of the race. Jimmy’s gesture exemplified the spirit of the event. Every single business in the Montlake district supported the event in some way, whether it was through cash, raffle and registration prizes, coffee/food for race participants and volunteers, hosting a food drive bin, lending a tent, and helping advertise. Sponsors included: Café Lago, Montlake Blvd Market, Glam and Tonics AVEDA Salon, Jay’s Dry Cleaners, Coven Salon, Mont’s Market, Fuel Cof- fee, Pub Montlake, Windermere Realtor Darcy LaBelle, Timothy Burkart of KHBB Law, Montlake Bicycle Shop, and Mr Johnson’s Antiques. Additionally, Darigold and KIND bars donated drinks and energy bars for runners. And last but certainly not least, we couldn’t have pulled this off without our wonderful volunteers. Approximately 40 people chipped in to help with race preparation, course support, and clean-up.

The Kids Run

In the end, the Turkey Trot raised $10,000 in net proceeds that were donated to the University District Food Bank. Paul Yunker, development director for the food bank, commented, “The sense of community from not only the MCC and sponsors, but the Turkey Trot participants and volunteers was heartwarming. Besides our annual auction, the Turkey Trot raised more money than any other fundraising event for the food bank this year. In five hours the Montlake community raised 5% of our $200,000 annual food budget. Awesome!”

For those who missed the fun this year, don’t despair! We plan to make the Montlake Turkey Trot an annual Thanksgiving Day tradition.