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I take great pride and joy in my annual Springer Turkey Challenge to raise money to feed hungry families. The number of people in need is astounding, and no child should ever go hungry, especially during the holidays. Most of our contributions come in as Thanksgiving approaches. We accept donations as low as $15 to “buy a turkey”, which I then match, doubling the pot. As we get close to Thanksgiving, I present the money to local area food banks to feed the families most in need right here in our communities. Of course there are contributions that come in after Thanksgiving, and anytime throughout the year, which I still match with the money given to local food banks for Christmas and or other holidays.
The “Springer Turkey Challenge” originally got its name back in 1999. In the beginning, I would ask for $15 contributions, which I would then match, to “buy a turkey” for hungry families at Thanksgiving. At that time, I would actually go to the supermarket and negotiate the price of turkeys, pay for them, then help the food bank load them into their pick-up trucks for distribution.
As the Springer Turkey Challenge grew, we began donating the money rather than turkeys. This way they could also provide other necessary items to round out the meal. What the food bank does with the money is really amazing. According to the Sacramento Food Bank, because of their buying power they are able to convert every dollar they receive in donations into $10 worth of food! So for every dollar we give them, they can feed two adults or four children. What a way to make an impact.
This is one of the things I truly look forward to the most each year, something where I can actually make a difference to the world by helping out. This year the Springer Turkey Challenge will feed over 10,000 people who would have otherwise gone without during the holidays. Your contributions make it work and I can’t do it without you. Help me make next year even better. |
