Charity Spotlight
Walnut Creek’s Turkey Trot builds community By Michelle Kulman | Photo credit: Facchino Photography
W
e showed what “community” means. And we couldn’t be more grateful for the community that we are. It was one thing to witness the energy of more than 4,200 participants in the Forma Gym Walnut Creek Turkey Trot. But it was completely another to learn why so many people (and animals!) participate year after year. We showed what health, wellness, and cooperation look like. We did much more than raise awareness and funds for the WCEF Walnut Creek Education Foundation, PEAK, the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, the Forma Gym Walnut Creek Kids Foundation, and RISE Paralysis Recovery Center. We inspired. This was our second year offering a ‘Wheel and Walk’ (wheelchair) division. According to Rachel Galaraga of RISE Paralysis Recovery, we had several more entrants in that division this year, including grandparents in wheelchairs whose grandkids walked with them! We wowed. Did you see retired police officer, Dennis Gilmore, who completed the race in his hand cycle with his dog, Blue, beside him?
We couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks to everyone who participated and provided feedback on everything from the t-shirt design (“a keeper”) to the “great energy” of a “festive” atmosphere and the “camaraderie and tradition” of the event. We’re still tallying up the final figures and soon will let you know how much we raised for the organizations we all supported. In the meantime, big props to each participant and our dedicated sponsors, Cole European, Barsotti Juice, WCI GC Construction, Bank of the West, Walnut Creek Convention & Visitors Bureau, Dudum Real Estate, The Seven Hills School, Jimmy John’s, Sports Basement, Crio Wellness Studio, Republic Services, Walnut Creek Magazine, Private Spring Water, lululemon Walnut Creek, Ralph Gracie Walnut Creek, Northgate Living, SPORTea® CSI America, Blackstar Security, Out Of The Cave, C & M Party Props, and, of course, or photographer, Facchino Photography, for capturing thousands of special moments (see the Forma Gym Walnut Creek Turkey Trot page for the complete album). We’re so grateful for our community on Thanksgiving and every day.
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JANUARY 2020
