By Rowan Richey Elliott - The 20th annual New Canaan Turkey Trot, benefiting Open Doors, will return to New Canaan this month. The annual 5K run/walk will begin and end at Waveny Park, located on South Avenue in New Canaan, on Nov. 19 at 11:30 a.m. Supporters can also sign up for a virtual 5K run or 1-mile walk. All proceeds from the race benefit the local social service organization, Open Doors, which provides support to adults and families with children who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. These resources include critical needs like food, clothing, case management, access to health services, employment services, and continuing education, as well as supportive housing and emergency shelter. Organized by a team of New Canaan students, the event provides much-needed funds over the cold winter months. The 2023 Turkey Trot is co-chaired by Henry Hladick, Caroline Squillante, Adelaide Tuff, and Pia Bausman, who are joined by committee members Finn, Hayden, & Jackson Roeder, Caroline & Rowan Richey Elliott, Delia Bakal, Cole & Lanie Campisi, Will Sullivan, Ashton & Chase Pinkernell, and Sadie Tamburri. The co-chairs are excited about this year’s race.“Participating in the Turkey trot committee each year is a cherished tradition that brings my community together and reminds me of the importance of gratitude and giving back during the holiday season,” says Tuff.“For the past 3 years that I have been on the committee, I have loved watching our community come together on the day of the race having fun while supporting Open Doors! I highly encourage everyone to come out and participate in this great event!” wrote Squillante.“The fact that the committee is run completely by high school students is really incredible, the event is an awesome opportunity to support a great cause,” stated Hladick.“Being a part of the turkey trot is so meaningful and special because of the way it gives us an opportunity to help those in need, while also putting together something that everyone can enjoy,” says Bausman. Race day check-in opens at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 19- and the race starts at 11:30 a.m. The event registration fee is $40 in advance. Students are also selling Turkey Trot baseball caps and winter hats. Michele Conderino, Executive Director of Open Doors, said she is grateful for everyone who is running" At a time when we're all gathering to be thankful, it means so much to have our community come together to help each other. We're excited to celebrate the 20th Turkey Trot and can't wait to see how it continues to grow! "Returning this year is a kids-supporting-kids race team called “Blue Past You” The team was organized to raise money to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables for the children of Open Doors during the year. The Richey Elliotts and Delia Bakal, have organized a race team and are happy to be a part of the committee, “The goal of the race team is to connect students, who enjoy running or walking, together so that little by little we can make an impact for the children living at Open Doors”. Participants can register online for this year's event here. Anyone who cannot attend but would still like to contribute is asked to make a check payable to Open Doors and send it to their main office at 4 Merritt Street, Norwalk, CT 06854 or visit this link. We are also incredibly grateful to this year's premier race sponsors BLT, HEP, HSS, Recruitics & 84 Sports.
