San Jose, CA – The Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot produced by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation is celebrating 15 years of philanthropy with a community challenge – to raise $1 million for local charities. More than 25,000 runners from across the nation participate each year on Thanksgiving Day raising $8.7 million in 14 years with money going directly to charitable programs.
Through the Leadership Group Foundation’s efforts, the race has become the largest Turkey Trot in the nation with far reaching local impact providing more than 2.9 million pounds of food to hungry families, 60,000 vision screenings, 4,000+ pairs of glasses for children and supporting 3,738 individuals placed into affordable housing. “Since the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot’s inception, we wanted to create a race bolstering what I feel is people’s innate nature to give back to their communities,” said Race Founder and Executive Director, Carl Guardino. “This race allows residents to connect with their local community and easily switch from simply being “talkers and takers,” to being “doers and donors.” That philosophy has taken root.
According to a runner, Kathleen Watson, “I’ve run the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot since 2006 and I adore starting my day in the crisp fall air with 25,000 of my closest friends. I appreciate seeing all the families running together, and running into dear friends. At the finish line, I feel pride in my hometown, a huge sense of accomplishment and just love giving back to my community with my participation.” Everyone is welcome to walk or run in our 5K, 10K or Kids Fun Run.
Media interested in covering pre-race day packet pick-ups, learning more about the race’s community efforts with the five beneficiaries, and the founder’s plan for the next 15 years of philanthropy can contact Kimberly Ellis at Kellis@svlg.org or Pam Kelly at Pkelly@svlg.org
Packet Pick-up High Volume Times
Sports Basement
1177 Kern Ave, Sunnyvale, CA
- Friday, November 22: 11am-7pm
- Wednesday, November 27: 11 am-1:30 pm
*Interviews with the founder, runners and/or beneficiaries available w/24 hrs. notice
Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of Silicon Valley Turkey Trot
Founded and produced by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation, the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot is the largest timed Thanksgiving run in the U.S. Everyone is welcome. From family-friendly fun runs/walks, to honoring our policemen, firefighters, military and veterans; this race captures the essence of what Thanksgiving is all about. Help us celebrate on November 28 (Thanksgiving morning) and help reach the goal of $1 million for local charities. For more information and to register, please visit: http://svturkeytrot.com/.
Media Contact:
Kimberly Ellis, SVP MarComm
Kellis@svlg.org | 408-501-7853
Pam Kelly, Sr. MarComm Mgr.
Pkelly@svlg.org | 408-501-7879
