Registration is open for businesses, schools, churches and other groups for the Kent Turkey Challenge, a fundraiser for the Kent Food Bank.<\/p>\n
Torklift Central in partnership with Kent United Methodist Church is running the 12th Turkey Challenge to help provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need.<\/p>\n
“We’re really excited to bring this back,” said Jasmyne Faborito, Torklift Central marketing director, at the Sept. 17 Kent City Council meeting to announce the drive. “It’s been a couple of years because of multiple circumstances, but we’re really excited to get back to it and make an impact on the community.”<\/p>\n
The organizers set a goal of raising $20,000 and collecting 10,000 pounds of food. Not only does this event promote friendly competition among businesses, but it also includes a fun coloring contest for kids to join in the spirit of giving, according to Torklift Central.<\/p>\n
In its 11 years of the food drive (the first one was 2011), the Turkey Challenge has raised close to $200,000 and brought in 74,000 pounds of food donation for the Kent Food Bank.<\/p>\n
The fundraiser will run from Sept. 29 through Nov. 3.<\/p>\n
“We’re so grateful,” Kent Mayor Dana Ralph said about the return of the Turkey Challenge. “Torklift stepped up to help make sure families have food to celebrate. And I love the competiton between businesses and schools that have participated.”<\/p>\n