Despite a location change, more than 2,000 runners turned out to help better the lives of others during the 17th Annual Trot Against Poverty, presented this year by Gould Cooksey Fennell, to benefit United Against Poverty.
With Riverside Park still filled with mountains of storm damage debris, the Turkey Trot was moved west of town, on a route along College Lane on the Indian River Charter High School and Indian River State College campuses.
“Indian River Charter High School and Indian River State College really bailed us out,” said Matt Tanner, UP executive director, citing the difficulty of quickly finding a new location to accommodate that many runners.
There was a slight nip in the air, especially for the people who arrived at 4 a.m. to set things up, but it warmed up as the festively attired runners and walkers arrived.
As always, the famed sweet potato pancake breakfast awaited post-race, with County Commission Chair Susan Adams and Marsh Landing whipping up enough batter for 2,000 breakfasts.
“We’re just so appreciative; it’s like a staple. I swear it’s why probably at least a quarter of the people come out there,” said Tanner.
“This is our 17th year doing this, and it’s just amazing how much it’s grown. Using that narrative of Thanksgiving, we’re just really thankful for our community continuing to come out to support us. These funds are critical for us to continue to serve our neighbors in need at a time when it seems that demand continues to grow,” said Tanner, adding that their programs have reached historic numbers.
More than 16,000 households utilized the Member Share Grocery Program and more than 1,500 households, the largest number to date, took advantage of the Crisis Stabilization Program.
Additionally, they eclipsed 100 people employed through their Workforce Programs – STEP [Success Training and Employment Program] and Build UP.
“Build UP is a new program. It’s focused on getting people prepared to enter into the trades, to command a salary that can lead to self-sufficiency. Entering into trades is a great way to put your foot in the door and continue to grow and excel and make some really good money,” Tanner explained.
The three-phase program uses the Home Builders Institute curriculum to teach basic fundamentals such as workplace safety, employability skills, proper use of tools, blueprint mapping, and construction math, so that employers can hire and further train them with confidence.
Earlier in the week, the UP Center was a hub of activity for their annual Hopeful Harvest.
Paying just a $5 handling fee, 400 Grocery Share members were given full Thanksgiving dinners.
The 13-pound turkeys were provided by Kroger grocery stores and, new this year, TG Lee provided a gallon of milk for each family.
“For the second year in a row, we worked with Cleveland Clinic, who was our lead sponsor.
They’re awesome; they’re big supporters of us and the community,” said Tanner.
He credited Cleveland Clinic’s Luz Molina and Kellie Hensley for coordinating the volunteers to pack the 400 kits, including Linda Walton, chief nursing officer; Dr. Rothman, VP chief medical officer; and Gabrielle Brooks, COO.
For more information, visit UnitedAgainstPoverty.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
