(Atlantic) SHIFT ATL, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, along with the Atlantic High School Cross Country team, hosted the fifth annual Atlantic Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 23, 2023. The fundraising event brought in over 120 participants and resulted in just over $3,700 in funds raised.
Traditionally, SHIFT ATL has hosted the Turkey Trot on their own with funds benefiting the current project(s) the organization is working on. Since inception, SHIFT ATL has always been looking for organizations or causes to partner with to get more community members involved and engaged in all the good that is happening in Atlantic.
The Atlantic Cross Country team, coached by Dan Vargason and Ashley Mosier, have consistently stepped up to volunteer their time for a variety of SHIFT ATL events or programs. Because of this ongoing support, SHIFT ATL asked Coaches Vargason and Mosier if they would co-host the 2023 Turkey Trot, as the board wanted to donate all funds raised back into the cross country program. SHIFT ATL is proud to announce their donation of $3,701.68 to the program!
“It was a great Turkey Trot and it was so fun to see people from the community come out to support this awesome event. There were all kinds of runners, walkers and people just getting out and moving before their Thanksgiving feasts,” said Atlantic Cross Country Coach, Ashley Mosier. “The cross country team is so thankful for the support from SHIFT, as well as the community. The team will use funds raised during the Turkey Trot for future expenses during the 2024 season, to support athletes in the desire to compete, to adequately fund gear, training equipment and any other things our runners might need. We are so proud to be a part of this Atlantic commUNITY. Thank you!”
SHIFT ATL and the Cross Country team would also like to thank HyVee and Scooters for donating juice, bananas, muffins, coffee and more for participants to enjoy post-race as well as the Atlantic Police Department and Jodie Hogue, on her bike, for guiding the 5K participants safely through the course.
For more information about SHIFT ATL or the Turkey Trot, visit facebook.com/shiftatl, www.shiftatl.org or email shiftatlantic@gmail.com.