Betsy McCright, race director of the Grateful Gobbler, with members of the Maclellan family: Elizabeth Lindquist, Susan Maclellan, Chris Maclellan and Scott Maclellan, present proceeds of the 2015 Grateful Gobbler to staff of the Maclellan Shelter for Families – Jens Christensen, Paul Luikart and Mellissa McKibbens.
Representatives from the Maclellan Family along with the race directors of the Grateful Gobbler Walk presented a $165,000 check to officials at the Maclellan Shelter for Families. The money was raised by supporters and participants of the 16th Annual Grateful Gobbler Walk.
The Maclellan Shelter for Families, located onsite at the Community Kitchen on 11th Street, features 13 units with 64 beds and is the first of its kind in Chattanooga, as it provides an environment for an intact family to remain together as they search for permanent housing solutions. Since its opening in December 2014, 106 families, comprising of approximately 369 men, women, and children, have benefited from the programs including meals, case management and job training provided by the shelter.
Proceeds raised from both the 2014 and 2015 Grateful Gobbler Walk bring the total contributions to the Maclellan Shelter for Families to $349,000.
“Over the past two years more than 7,000 participants have created a Thanksgiving tradition while helping families in transition by participating in the Grateful Gobbler Walk,” said Stan and Betsy McCright, race directors of the Grateful Gobbler Walk. “We are tremendously grateful by the overwhelming support and hope that even more people will join us in just eight months at the 17th Annual Grateful Gobbler Walk."
Registration is now open for the 2016 Grateful Gobbler Walk and an early bird discount of $20 for walkers/runners 13 years and older will be offered through June 1. The price for children ages 12 and under is $10. If planning to travel out of town for the holiday, people can register as a virtual walker for $15. Participants may start a new Thanksgiving tradition while helping a family in transition by registering or making a donation at www.gratefulgobblerwalk.org