Gobble! Gobble! Annual Turkey Run hopes to help 300 local kids and their families celebrate Thanksgiving with a full seasonal feast
Raising funds to give those in need a happy Thanksgiving, Michael DeCarlo and his troop of fund-raising angels have organized a Turkey Run Sunday, Nov. 14, starting at 10 a.m., partnered by First Baptist Church of Fort Myers Beach.
“We’re raising money to get 40 turkeys and full Thanksgiving meals for local beach families in need, to feed at least 300 local kids and their families,” Michael said. “All funds raised will go directly to the full Thanksgiving meal, held at First Baptist Church on Fort Myers Beach, between noon and 3 p.m.”
During the Turkey Run Sunday, a series of five stops will be made, starting at Junkanoo and heading to the Beached Whale, Valerie’s Lounge, the American Legion, the Mermaid and then back to Junkanoo.
Everyone is encouraged to ride along whether it’s a motorcycle, tricycle, bicycle, moped, car, van, bus, tractor, you name it. And, if you don’t want to ride, fee free to hop aboard the free charter bus Michael has available for the run.
“We’re going to have surprise bartenders at Junkanoo,” Michael said. “The original crew: Paula, Rachel and Thea.”
Food will be provided at each of the stops, as well as plenty of 50/50s, raffles, prizes, giveaways, live entertainment and so much more. The cost to ride is $20 or a turkey per bike, or $10 or a turkey per poker hand.
Volunteers are still being sought to help out during the run, whether it’s selling raffle tickets and 50/50s, helping along the run and whatever else is needed.
“Come out and support a great Beach cause,” Michael said. “Help us help needy beach families have a great Thanksgiving holiday.”
The Thanksgiving meal
First Baptist Church of Fort Myers Beach offers a complimentary Thanksgiving meal for all to enjoy every year.
“This is the second year Mike DeCarlo, his volunteers and First Baptist have worked together to make this happen,” Said Shawn Kritser, pastor of the church. “Last year was awesome. We fed about 125 people. We’re expecting to at least double that this year. So far, everything’s going great. We’re on target to have everything provided.”
So far, Shawn said the entire meal is covered food-wise, except for dessert.
“We’re cooking pumpkin pie for 300, and we haven’t yet gathered enough to make that much yet,” Shawn said. “Any pie ingredient donations would be great.”
The meal will be offered at the church, 130 Connecticut St., from noon to 3 p.m. Thanksgiving day, Thursday, Nov. 25.
Volunteers are welcome to join in and help in the kitchen, serving food, etc., that day. For more information, call the church office at 463-6452 ext. 710.
“Come by with your family and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner on us,” Shawn said.