Turkey Trot raises thousands for Helpline House

January 27, 2019 2:30 pm
Luciano Marano | Bainbridge Island Review - The annual Thanksgiving day fun run, the Turkey Trot, returned to Battle Point Park Thursday, Nov. 22, bringing with it the usual assortment of both hardcore athletes and reluctant runners working off some pre-pie guilt.
Luciano Marano | Bainbridge Island Review - The annual Thanksgiving day fun run, the Turkey Trot, returned to Battle Point Park Thursday, Nov. 22, bringing with it the usual assortment of both hardcore athletes and reluctant runners working off some pre-pie guilt.

Helpline House has received a $32,000 donation from the organizers of November’s Bainbridge Island Turkey Trot.

“We are so thankful to Island Fitness and everyone in the community who came out to run, walk, gather and support Helpline House,” said Maria Metzler, executive director of Helpline House.

“The holidays are over, but winter is still here. These funds will be used year-round to provide our neighbors with needed access to nutritious food and free case management and mental health counseling,” she added.

Island Fitness owners Michael and Alexa Rosenthal took over as organizing sponsors of the annual Thanksgiving event two years ago after the original Turkey Trot organizers, Jennifer Campbell and Ann Browning, passed the baton.

Since its inception in 2009, Turkey Trot has raised $193,410 for Helpline House.

Helpline House is a Bainbridge nonprofit organization that offers a range of social services, including a food bank, counseling, housing and legal assistance.

Rosenthal attributed the event’s success to “a small army of volunteers and local sponsors who came together to produce a fun and rewarding event.” More than 1,200 runners and walkers participated in 1-mile and 5K races on Thanksgiving Day.

Rosenthal also thanked Island Fitness professional trainer Brenda Prickett who single-handedly led the effort to organize the event and coordinate the volunteers on behalf of Island Fitness.

Former Island Fitness trainers Lisa Timmins and Megan Livingston also stepped in to help with the course volunteers and set-up.

“We couldn’t have been happier with the great weather, the fun that was had, and all the proceeds that go directly to helping this community,” Metzler said.

Organizers also gave special thanks to Host Sponsors Wildernest, A Kitchen That Works and Ihland Garden Dental. Further thanks go to Foundation Sponsors Johansson Clark Real Estate, New Motion PT, Bainbridge Dental; Main Street Sponsors Daro Creative, PacWesty, (which provided hot chocolate for participants), Town and Country Markets, Bainbridge Island Parks and Recreation; and Storefront Sponsors DaVinci Physical Therapy, Tousley Brain Stephens PLLC, AdPlanet; and to event donors Bon Bon Confectioners, Churchmouse Yarns & Teas and ClifBar.

In addition, Rosenthal thanked Rob Whittaker of GC Racing for his “flawless timing execution” and FStop Coffee Roasters and David Cohen Photography. For photos and race results, go to the Turkey Trot at biturkeytrot.org.