With Thanksgiving right around the corner, most New Canaanites are gearing up for the Turkey Bowl, receiving guests, or traveling to spend the holiday with loved ones. Even so, for many less fortunate families in surrounding communities, the days leading up to Thanksgiving might not be so carefree. Many homeless Fairfield County residents will be spending the holiday in area shelters, relying on volunteers and donations in order to stay warm and fed.
The Turkey Trot Committee poses with their mascot, (l-r) Teddy Schoenholtz, Paige Lord, Morgan Connelly and David Tamburri. Credit: Contributed
On Sunday, November 22nd the 12th annual Turkey Trot 5K run/walk will commence at Waveny Park to benefit one such establishment—Norwalk’s Open Door Shelter, a 95-bed facility located at 4 Merritt Street. According to its website, the Open Door operates primarily from private donations, making community events like the Turkey Trot—chaired by Paige Lord and co-chaired by David Tamburri, Morgan Connelly and Teddy Schoenholtz— that much more important.
Turkey Trot participants can donate money as well as coats, gloves, hats, scarves, socks and blankets. 100 percent of proceeds from the run/walk registration will go to charity and help provide the Open Door with food, warm clothing, case management services, employment and subsidized housing for scores of families and individuals in need.
The Open Door’s Manna House kitchen and pantry serves 60,000 meals every month. Additionally, the shelter also offers a program called Hope Works, which helps participants gain essential career-building skills with interview training, computer knowledge and job search assistance.
The New Canaan 5k Turkey Trot welcomes people of all ages to walk/run in Waveny Park on Sunday. The race beings at 11:30am and registration opens behind the mansion at 10:30am. Participants can also sign up here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/NewCanaan/NewCanaanTurkeyTrot
There will be prizes and raffles to win, as well as free refreshments and snacks. The suggested registration donation is $25.
For more information, please see below: