The seventh annual Turkey Trot brought together runners, local families and community groups to partake in festive fun hosted by the Toluca Lake Homeowners Association, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the East Valley Police Activity League Supporters (PALS) and Toluca Lake Beautification Partners.
We were fortunate to have David Ono, multi-Emmy-winning anchor for ABC7 Eyewitness News, as our master of ceremonies once again. The event kicked off (literally) with a choreographed demonstration by the KMA Martial Arts demo team. Next, Brian Shiers from the Toluca Lake Tennis and Fitness Club led attendees through a series of stretches to prepare them for the run.
Special gratitude goes out to the Turkey Trot Committee, led by Dana Boyd and Ryan Kugler. Ryan brought immeasurable experience in organizing race events, and Dana and her team were responsible for gathering our generous sponsors. The team members responsible for the success of the event include Beth Eras, Susanne Hayes, Kari Negri, Steve Hampar, Leah Mangum and Mary Vossler. Of course, board member Bob Wexler was back in fine feathered form as our illustrious turkey mascot.
The event could not have been possible without our generous sponsors: Craig Strong, NBCUniversal, A5 Events, Hampar Properties, Cindy Wexler Real Estate, the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce, the Toluca Lake Tennis and Fitness Club, Malbec Restaurant, KMA Black Belt Champions, Davis Educational Services, Generales & Generales, the Toluca Lake Garden Club, Forget Me Not Florist, The Counter, à la Mutt, Sky Properties, Strength Code, Hotel Amarano, Trader Joe’s, Honey Baked Ham, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Bob’s Big Boy, Gourmet Romano and Veggie Grill. Thanks to Councilmember David Ryu, Alice Roth and Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian for their support and helping to coordinate with the City. Thanks also to Chase Bank for hosting the event, and to Officer Kurtis Delbar and the LAPD for monitoring the race route. You are all appreciated!
The Toluca Lake Turkey Trot was originally conceived by Toluca Lake resident Piper Welch in 2011 and run and promoted through the TLHOA. We hope to see you next year as the tradition continues!
The Toluca Lake Homeowners Association advocates for and gives a powerful voice to the homeowners of Toluca Lake. For more information, visit tlhoa.org.