Runners, walkers and trotters are encouraged to sign up for the upcoming Sunflower Diversified Services Turkey Trot, which benefits people with special needs, as well as the Community Food Bank of Barton County.
The fifth-annual event is set for Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Park Zoo. Those who bring non-perishable food items will not only support Sunflower individuals with developmental disabilities and delays, they will add to shelves at the food bank.
“Since this fun event is scheduled for right before Thanksgiving, we want to help those in need to have access to a few ingredients for a holiday meal,” said Cody Harris, Sunflower director of planned giving and community support. “This is one way Sunflower can give back to the community that gives so generously to the people we serve.
“The Turkey Trot has been popular for the last four years and we hope for a good turnout this time around too. The money we raise and food we collect can make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Participants can walk, run or trot to help Sunflower provide adaptive equipment, medical and dental care, and other services.
“Another thing I love about the Turkey Trot is that Sunflower’s Aktion Club members volunteer to serve as street blockers for the runners and walkers,” Harris said. “It is great to see them high-five participants while cheering them on.”
Sponsorship opportunities are available to anyone who wants to support the charitable causes.
Event details
The early-bird-registration deadline is Oct. 31; the fee for the 5K race is $30 and Fun Run Race is $25. Both are $5 more after the deadline. Early registrants will receive T-shirts; after Oct. 31, shirts are available while supplies last.
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. The 5K starts at 10:30 a.m. and the Fun Run one-mile race a few minutes later. It all begins and ends at Brit Spaugh Park.
Those who donate two non-perishable items for the food bank will be entered into a drawing for a Garmin watch.
Age divisions for the 5K are: up to 14; 15-24; 25-34; 35-44; 45-54; and 55 and older. Medals go to the top three finishers in each division.
The overall male and female winners receive a turkey. Fun run participants earn ribbons.
“We encourage local and area residents to mark this on their calendars,” Harris commented. “Sunflower always looks forward to promoting this healthy activity that brings our community together. It’s a good reason to get out and get moving for worthy causes at the beginning of the holiday season.”
To register, visit Sunflower’s website, www.sunflowerdiv.com. For more information, contact Harris by calling 620-792-1321.
Sunflower serves infants, toddlers and adults in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. It is in its 59th year.
