The 21th 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. 24 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 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 2024 Turkey Trot is co-chaired by Pia Bausman, Caroline Squillante, Adelaide Tuff, and Henry Hladick, who are joined by committee members Rowan Richey Elliott, Caroline Richey Elliott, Delia Bakal, Cole Campisi, Lanie Campisi, Eloise Tuff, Finn Roeder, Lucy Casey, Ashton Pinkernell, Will Sullivan, Charlie Sullivan, Blake Schwartz, Tyler Schwartz, Charlie O’Neil, Gavin Degaetano, Sadie Tamburri, Wyatt Rotchford, Will Stimpson, and Connor Furman.
Tuff and Squillante are enthusiastic about this year’s team.
“I have been involved with the Turkey Trot for the last 4 years and a board chair for the last 2 years,” said Tuff. “I have loved being a part of this team and watching the event increase in runners over the years! Working with Open Doors in Norwalk, has also been an amazing experience for our community.”
“ The Turkey Trot is a meaningful day that brings our community together while supporting Open Doors Shelter. For me, it shows how New Canaan can celebrate the holiday and collectively work towards making an impact. It has been so rewarding working as a Co-Chair the past 2 years, by getting involved with the behind the scenes of an event I have loved since I was a kid,” said Squillante.
Race day check-in opens at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 24- and the race starts at 11:30 a.m. The event registration fee is $45 in advance. Students are also selling Turkey Trot winter hats, gloves and T-shirts.
Michele Conderino, Executive Director of Open Doors, said she is grateful for everyone that is running.
“This is such a special event that brings the community together, and I am so thankful for the students and families who are making a difference for our neighbors dealing with homelessness and housing insecurity.”
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, race team organizers, 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.
This year’s race sponsors include premier sponsors Walter Stewart’s, Karl Chevrolet, HEP, Athes, School of Rock, the Burnham Family, Goldman Sachs, ONS Neurosurgery, BLT, and the Onward and Upward Charitable Foundation.
