Concord Turkey Trot raises $31,000 for Loaves and Fishes

Racers lined up under bright skies for the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot in Concord. (Photo by Diane Pleuss)

CONCORD, CA (Dec. 10, 2024) — More than 1,500 participants and volunteers took part in the annual Turkey Trot at Newhall Park on Thanksgiving morning.

Weather conditions were ideal as runners and walkers headed out on the 5-kilometer course. Civil Air Patrol Squadron 44 presented the colors, and the Women’s Ensemble Choir from Clayton Valley Charter High School sang the national anthem. Mt. Diablo High School sent their cheer squad to provide spirit for the participants.

A Kids Run followed the 5K, with a quick loop around the park.

Clayton native Dylan White won the men’s race, clocking a blazing fast time of 14:40 – breaking his own course record set last year. Mark Ybarra of Antioch was second, with Alex Walker of Concord was third. Jenny Kadavy of Clayton took first in the women’s race at 17:12, also setting a new course record. Nichole Vensko of Pleasant Hill was second and Jenn Cazanov-Diggs of Martinez was third.

Loaves and Fishes

The event raised $31,000 for Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa. In addition, participants donated more than 1,000 pounds of food on the day of the event.

Loaves and Fishes serves upwards of 4,000 hot, nutritious meals every day. They also have a culinary arts training program that teaches people the basic skills needed to get a job in the culinary industry.

“We are thrilled with the increasing number of people who turn out for this great event, which gives us the opportunity to showcase the day-to-day outreach activities of our organization,” said board member Karen Introcaso. “The more our community knows about the impact Loaves and Fishes is making in the community, the more resources we’ll have to help those in need.”

“It is fantastic to see our community come together for a morning of fun with family and friends,” added John Pamer, CEO of presenting sponsor Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union. “The best part is, the money raised will have a year-round impact, helping our neighbors in need long after the balloons and banners come down.”

Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union

Chartered in 1961, Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative. Profits are returned to members in the form of lower rates on loans, better rates on deposits and fewer fees than traditional banks. Anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in central Contra Costa County is eligible to open an account. For more information, visit www.diablovalleyfcu.org.

For more about Loaves and Fishes, visit www.loavesfishescc.org.

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