The 13th Annual Grateful Gobbler Walk benefits the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition and will be held on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22. The Grateful Gobbler raises awareness and generates resources to serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Chattanooga region.
Early registration is available online at www.gratefulgobbler.org. T-Shirts are guaranteed for walkers who register prior to Nov. 16. Late registration begins at 6:30 a.m. Thanksgiving morning at Walker Pavilion.
There will be a turkey costume contest at 7:45 a.m. at the stage in Coolidge Park and ceremonies begin at the stage at 8 a.m. Walkers will begin the 3-mile course at 8:30 a.m. The walk begins and ends at Coolidge Park.
Walkers are asked to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank from 6:30-8:30 Thanksgiving morning. Barrels will be located outside of Walker Pavilion at Coolidge Park.
One hundred percent of the net proceeds generated by the 2012 Grateful Gobbler Walk will provide the community with funds to assist with the unmet needs of people experiencing homelessness. Last year’s Grateful Gobbler proceeds assisted over 200 people in obtaining housing, transportation, and case management services.
“Today’s face of our homeless neighbors has changed over the past several years," said Kim Coulter, co-chair of the 2012 Walk. "The Grateful Gobbler Walk is a wonderful way to help our ever-changing homeless population. The GG Walk is a wonderful way for our entire community to unite and give back. I love to see families, friends, and individuals come together Thanksgiving for this fun walk. Let’s all show our gratitude by walking, running, strolling, or even roller blading this Thanksgiving morning."
Since 2000, The Grateful Gobbler Walk has become a family tradition on Thanksgiving Day. Approximately 28,000 people of all ages have walked ‘The Walk,’ raising in excess of $530,500 in participant donations. Sponsors of the event have contributed in excess of $197,000.
New This Year
Local businesses, congregations, and other community groups will participate with the Grateful Gobbler by selling Gobble Dollars for $1. From Oct. 22 through Thanksgiving Day, patrons of participating businesses may purchase Gobble Dollars and post them in identified locations at the businesses. One hundred percent of the proceeds generated by the Gobble Dollar program will be contributed to the Gobbler Fund.
Grateful Gobbler merchandise will be for sale at the Grateful Gobbler Walk Thanksgiving morning. One hundred percent of the profits from merchandise sold will be contributed to the Gobbler Fund.