because in college I participated in a Turkey Trot race in Dallas and enjoyed getting together with friends. I remembered the wholesome, good experience it was and wanted to share that with others. After the first year the promoters backed out since there were no proceeds, but I wanted to keep it going. We started with sweat equity and energy from the ThunderCloud family and have built on that foundation.
Why did you choose Caritas of Austin as the beneficiary? Caritas of Austin is a great organization and is, in my opinion, the best at efficiently proving the four building blocks to getting someone to self-sufficiency. Those building blocks are housing, food, education and employment, and Caritas helps people not by just giving a hand-out, but also by getting individuals to be self-sufficient. Ultimately, Caritas helps people become contributing members of the community and the more contributors we have, the less the need.
why i give
Did you expect the race to be the big success that it is? Honestly, I didn’t think it would last this long! But I do things because I think they are right, and I knew this was an opportunity to bring like-minded people together and help. We have always had the goal to grow, but it has grown beyond my wildest dreams. When this all started I had two kids and my next two sons weren’t born yet, so they have been at Turkey Trot since they were in strollers. Since then all my kids have run in the event and continue to volunteer. The event has grown because of the energy and synergy of the ThunderCloud employees. Turkey Trot is very special to ThunderCloud because it brings them together; they get to see their
contribution because 100 percent of proceeds benefit Caritas of Austin, and the increase in proceeds shows employees that sweat equity counts.
What is next for Turkey Trot? Hopes for the future? What’s next? November 24 is next! We want to build on our success. The biggest challenge we face now is removing obstacles, not just growing the size of the event. It is difficult to run an event this size in Austin and we hope to get better at managing the size and constraints so that the greater good can be served. We are so happy to be at the Long Center again this year. It is a great venue and gave us the opportunity to grow. Joe Long is a great contributor and as a supporter of Caritas as well. Turkey Trot has great sponsors and vendors who have stepped up to the plate. This event could not happen without them and they benefit from the same enthusiasm and spirit that fuels the success of the event. GivingCity
Sign up to run or volunteer at this year’s Turkey Trot, Nov. 24 at the Long Center. Learn more at ThunderCloud.com
Caritas’s Work in Austin
Food. In 2011, Caritas will serve 100,000 meals in our Community Kitchen and provide enough take-home groceries for 70,500 meals. Housing. Will prevent 2,000 men and women from becoming homeless. Will assist an additional 475 individuals and families access housing. Housing services range from one-time emergency rent and utility assistance to supportive housing. Education. Will provide 500 classes to 400 clients and provide refugee orientation to 460 refugees. Employment. Will place 500 individuals in jobs. More than 50 local businesses will hire our clients. Refugee Resettlement. Caritas assists documented refugees by providing and moving them into housing, acclimating them to their environment and helping them find employment.
Volunteers Needed!
This is not a “5K,” it’s a five mile! So if you’re not quite ready for that distance, here’s another way to be a part of the race. Volunteers needed to set up, man water stations, clean up and more. Contact Molly Sipe of Caritas at 512-646-1251.
Fall 2011
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