HOPELINK’S TURKEY TROT TO RAISE FUNDS TO PROVIDE HOLIDAY MEALS TO 2,100 LOW-INCOME FAMILIES

Turkey Trot proceeds help Hopelink provide the ingredients for festive holiday meals to low-income families in our community. During the 2005 holiday season, Hopelink distributed food to more than 2,100 families and the need this year is expected to climb.

“If it weren’t for the holiday meal fixings available from Hopelink, many families would go without,” said Jessica Ivey, manager of Hopelink’s food bank in Kirkland. “Turkey Trot gives the community a way to come together and have fun, while helping their less fortunate neighbors to enjoy a tasty, nutritious holiday meal.”

Registration and festivities for the 5K (three-mile) fun walk from Marina Park to Carillon Point and back begin at noon. The walk starts at 1:00 p.m. Companies, organizations, friends, families, and individuals are all invited to join the fun. The pre-registration fee (before November 17) is $20 per person, or $15 per person for teams of four or more. Day-of-event registration is $25 per person and $20 per person for teams. Strollers and pets are free. All pre-registered participants are guaranteed to receive a Hopelink Turkey Trot 2006 t-shirt.

Walkers are encouraged to seek pledges, and those who collect pledges of $100 or more will be entered in a raffle for prizes including hotel lodging and restaurant gift certificates. Prizes will also be awarded for the best costumes, which in past years have ranged from Girl Scout troops dressed to recreate the first Thanksgiving feast to families dressed like their favorite holiday foods.

Event sponsors include Fred Meyer, Key Bank and Wilde Rover Irish pub and restaurant. For more information or to register, contact Patrick Tippy at patrickt@hope-link.org or 425.869.6029.

About Hopelink
Since 1971, Hopelink has served homeless and low-income families, children, seniors and people with disabilities in north and east King County by promoting self-sufficiency for all members of our community and helping people make lasting change. Hopelink assists people with meeting their needs for food, shelter, homelessness prevention, child development, family development and stabilization, transportation and adult literacy skills. For more information on Hopelink and its services, call 425.869.6000 or visit www.hope-link.org.

Media Contacts
Denise Stephens, Public Relations Specialist, office: 425.869.2440, denises@hope-link.org
Glen Miller, Communications Manager, office: 425.869.6025, cell: 206.790.5410, glenm@hope-link.org