Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Olivette’s Turkey Trot returns with raffle, sponsors and goal to boost Harvey Kornblum Food Pantry
Summary
At a November 'Coffee with the Mayor,' organizers described the 11th annual Olivette Turkey Trot, its partnership with Jewish Family Services and the Harvey Kornblum Food Pantry, fundraising targets ($20,000–$30,000), donation logistics and steps to accommodate special dietary needs; organizers also addressed resident concerns about street access during the race.
Moderator (identified as the mayor) opened the session and framed the Turkey Trot as a community fundraiser that benefits Jewish Family Services’ Harvey Kornblum Food Pantry: "Welcome and thank you all for being here for this month's coffee with the mayor." The event’s volunteer lead, David Moon, said organizers have 1,266 runners registered so far and are targeting 2,000, with a fundraising goal of at least $20,000 and an ideal target of $30,000.
The partnership between the city and Jewish Family Services (JFS) was described as longstanding. Miriam, identified in the meeting as JFS’s chief executive officer, explained the pantry’s growth and scale: "the food pantry, which is now serving almost 20,000 people a year," and said JFS programs together reach "upwards of 70,000 people a year." She described the pantry’s move from a small basement operation to a warehouse with about 10 full-time staff and more than 100 volunteers.
Organizers outlined event features and fundraising elements. David Moon said a signed Rowan Berkey jersey will be raffled to raise funds for the pantry (tickets $5 each or five for $20) and listed sponsors and in-kind contributors. Moon said the Turkey Trot has donated more than $100,000 to the pantry across prior years and expects this year’s donation to be among the largest if registration targets are met.
Speakers also walked through how donations and volunteer support work. Organizers asked participants to drop off food at packet pickup and at two pre-race collection points (city center and the 5 Oaks location); "On race day, do not bring food. We will not be taking food on race day," the meeting record states. Miriam described the pantry’s client-choice model—where clients select foods they prefer—and explained that, following pandemic changes, the pantry will operate a hybrid model combining drive-thru distribution and in-person choice days to balance access and preference.
The pantry’s standards and accommodations were addressed in audience Q&A. When an attendee raised concerns about processed foods and additives, Miriam said JFS asks for donations of foods "that you would feed your families," prioritizes whole foods, buys produce when needed, and purchases kosher items to meet halal/kosher needs. The transcript records an explicit pantry rule announced by JFS staff: "Unfortunately, no homemade goods can be donated." Miriam also noted that USDA-supplied foods and purchased items help fill gaps for special-diet needs.
Logistics and resident access received direct questions. A resident said last year he was prevented from making a right turn from Price Road into his subdivision during the event and asked for a mechanism (ID, slow roll, or controlled access) to allow residents to reach homes while the race runs. The moderator acknowledged the concern, said the city provides notice about street closures and that most runners finish within about 45 minutes, but did not record a specific operational change during the meeting.
Beyond food distribution, Miriam described JFS services supported by public funds such as the Children's Service Fund, saying it "collects about $40,000,000 a year" and helps finance free psychiatry, diagnostic testing and other services for children; she also described sliding-scale in-home supports for older adults. For families seeking assistance, Miriam said residents can visit the Harvey Kornblum Food Pantry on service days without appointment and that United Way 2-1-1 can provide referral information.
Organizers thanked volunteer police and fire personnel who staff the route and emphasized safety planning; David Moon said the race has run for 10 years without a major incident. The mayor closed by wishing the community a happy Thanksgiving and noting that the city council will not meet again this month. The Turkey Trot is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day.
What’s next: the Turkey Trot’s organizers continue registration and fundraising efforts ahead of the race. Additional logistical details and the pantry’s donation rules were promised to be circulated in event communications.
