After holding a virtual event last year, we were grateful to meet in person on a beautiful fall day for the ninth annual Toluca Lake Homeowners Association Turkey Trot, benefiting the East Valley Police Activity League Supporters (PALS). The Toluca Lake community, along with community groups and local businesses, was out in full force cheering on the runners (and walkers) in the 5K race and 1K kids’ fun run.
We were truly fortunate to once again have David Ono, multi-Emmy-winning anchor for ABC7 Eyewitness News, as our master of ceremonies. The event kicked off with a demonstration by members of KMA Martial Arts, followed by a wonderful tribute to the memory of Councilmember Tom LaBonge. Next, The Strength Code warmed us up with a series of stretches, and then off we went, chasing the turkey’s tailfeathers through beautiful Toluca Lake. After the race, everyone gathered for the first-ever community after-party, which featured live music, food and ice cream trucks, a kids’ activity corner, information booths, a coffee bar and a silent auction.
Turkey Trot Committee co-chairs Ruby Bowen and Jenny Hollier surpassed their goal by gathering a large group of generous sponsors. The event chairs were ably assisted by team members Angie Niemeyer, Terry Herkner, Scott Morris, Kari Negri and Dana Boyd. A special thank-you goes out to Ryan J. Kugler, president of The Plan B, Inc., and race organizer, who donated equipment and lent his expertise in organizing the race.
The event was made possible by the generous contributions of Craig Strong Group, SRM Real Estate Group, Jason Friedman & UBS Financial Services, Hungry Crowd, Lakeside Golf Club, NBC Universal, ACS Security, Ajalat & Ajalat, LLP, Ramsey-Shilling Associates, Bogy-Collins Insurance, Ryan Bowne Attorney, CARE Urgent Care and Leavitt Insurance.
And many thanks to the food sponsors for feeding the crowd: Miceli’s Restaurant, Top Döner Factory, Leah Magnum for the ice cream truck and TLHOA for the tamales.