In an effort to collect donations for the Kent Food Bank, businesses and organizations are invited to participate in the 5th Annual Kent Turkey Challenge starting Monday, Oct. 5.
“We were extremely blessed with the record-breaking support shown last year with over $22,500 in donations raised and 10,800 pounds of food collected,” said Torklift Central owner Jack Kay in a media release. “For its fifth year, our goal is to collect 10,000 pounds of food and $25,000 in donations for the Kent Food Bank.”
Over the past four years, cumulative donations exceeded $56,500 and 16,800 pounds of food. The Kent City Council will once again support the event through an official proclamation to be read on Oct. 20 during its meeting at City Hall.
With nearly 70 Kent businesses, schools and organizations contributing last year, Torklift Central is gathering participants and plans to drop off donation boxes to participants beginning Oct. 5. Donations are accepted through Nov. 20.
Businesses and organizations are challenged to a friendly competition to see who can collect the most food and monetary donations. Complimentary donation boxes and materials are provided to each participating business by Torklift Center. As another way to raise funds and further encourage community participation, placard turkeys can be sold by businesses for $10 each. Customers simply write their name on the paper placard turkey for businesses to display how much funding they’ve raised throughout the challenge.
“With over 45 businesses and organizations already on board, we’re hoping the efforts of the community will help to achieve our goal and provide Thanksgiving dinner to Kent families,” said Kay. “It’s not just about a holiday meal. It’s about memories. This fundraiser gives hope that parents can provide their children with happy memories of a bountiful and happy Thanksgiving.”
The Kent Turkey Challenge will also be featured at the Kent Business Expo on Oct. 20 at the ShoWare Center. During the event, donations of food or money toward the challenge will be collected.
After loss of public funding by the Kent Food Bank in 2011, the Kent Turkey Challenge provides critical support in order to ensure a memorable Thanksgiving for community members in need.
Businesses interested in participating can sign up by contacting Torklift Central marketing director Katie Brown at 253-720-1969 or Katie@torkliftcentral.com.
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