Good Neighbors

The Montlake Community Club’s 2nd Annual Montlake Turkey Trot & Kids Fun Run brings all these together on Thanksgiving morning!

Turkey Trot registrants and sponsors raise much needed funds for the University District Food Bank. Food Bank Director of Development, Paul Yunker, noted that the first Montlake Turkey Trot in 2016 was the food bank’s second largest fundraiser event of the year. “The $10,000 raised by event participants and sponsors was critical in meeting increased demand from families, many of whom are the working poor.”

Paul plans to cheer on runners this Thursday at the 2nd Annual Turkey Trot & Kids Fun Run  (Sign Up Here).  He will also have some bins at the race to collect non-perishable food.  “We are deeply grateful to the Montlake Community Club for creating and organizing the Turkey Trot fundraiser to benefit the food bank. Montlakers are the very best neighbors!”

Longtime Montlake resident and business owner, Carla Leonardi, also plans to root on the runners Thursday morning. Carla has a long history of Montlake community spirit. In 1990 she launched Cafe Lago; last November Little Lago opened in Portage Bay.

Carla recalls how the neighborhood supported Cafe Lago during the lean years of the recession. She in turn is keen to give back to the community. When MCC president, Sharsti Sandall, approached Carla with the idea of launching a Thanksgiving Day run to benefit the University District Food Bank, Carla was all for it.

This year, anyone who donates extra money to the food bank will have the chance to win one of eight $50 Cafe Lago gift certificates and two Lasagne dinners for 10, complete with wine and antipasti (valued at $250 each). “I love the energy and excitement of the run”, said Carla. “it’s great to see the kids outside, rain or shine! It’s wonderful to be part a shared neighborhood experience that is both fun– and supports the mission of the food bank.”  The raffle is open to anyone and winners need not be present to win (donate here).

Food bank facts: