How did the turkey cross the finish line? He ran.
The Hillsdale Academy Service Club is hosting its annual Turkey Trot for the community this Saturday, Nov. 16 beginning at 9 a.m. at Hillsdale Academy.
All proceeds will go to St. Paul’s Ability Resource Center, which supports people with developmental disabilities and their families through local programming.
For interested runners, the cost is $5 to $15 per person depending on age and T-shirt order. The 1600 meter, or one mile, race begins at 9 a.m. and is open to anyone in the third grade and older.
The preschool run is 200 meters and begins at 9:30 a.m. Finally, the 600-meter race is open to kids in kindergarten through second grade and begins at 9:35 a.m.
The event is open to students and the entire community.
Hillsdale Academy service club advisor Katherine Huffman said around 120 people have registered for the trot as of Nov. 12, which is about the typical number of registered participants at this point.
People can register up to the morning of the event, at which time there is an additional $2 cost.
As an all-community event, Huffman said there are at least 10 local businesses supporting the run. Each year the funds go toward a different local charitable organization. Recent charities include St. Anthony’s Family Center Food Bank, the Salvation Army, and the Alpha Omega Care Center.
The Turkey Trot donated their funds to SPARC in past years as well.
Director of SPARC Tamra Ryan said the funds will be going toward buying supplies for its art and cooking programs, including all of the ingredients and gardening tools. The church hosts its own October fundraiser as well.
Many students who attend Hillsdale Academy have a personal connection with SPARC.
“What’s interesting is that many Academy students have siblings who participate in SPARC, and that’s true for my family as well,” Ryan said. “My daughter attended Hillsdale Academy and my son has participated in SPARC.”
The annual event has taken place on-and-off since 2001. Previously, the National Honor Society ran the event, but now the service club has taken over the event.
“I’m excited to see everyone come out and have fun while raising money for a good cause,” Huffman said.
Those interested in registering can call Hillsdale Academy at (517) 439-8644 or email khuffman@hillsdale.edu.
“Students have been working hard so hopefully it’s going to be a good day,” Huffman said. “It might be a little bit chilly so we’re going to bundle up and come out.”
