EDMOND —
Area residents are putting on their running shoes and working up an appetite for the big meal as they participate in the third annual Turkey Trot.
Turkey Trot is one of the major fundraisers of the year for the nonprofit Turning Point Ministries, an all-volunteer organization in Edmond that works to help provide good, affordable housing for those who couldn’t afford it otherwise.
Its long term goal is to eliminate substandard housing in Edmond.
Both the 5K Run and 1-Mile Wobble begin at Main and Broadway in downtown Edmond at 28 E. Main St. Scenery along the course includes public art, landscaping and residences.
The 5K Run continues north on Boulevard through Danforth and turns around at a designated marker and drink station between Danforth and Covell.
All participants will travel the same route back to Main and Broadway and cross the finish line.
The event is approved by the City of Edmond Special Events Committee and traffic control is maintained by the Edmond Police Department.
All ages including strollers and friendly dogs on a leash participate in the event, which begins at 8 a.m. Thanksgiving Day. Awards presented include one to the “best dressed” participant so they are urged to “ham it up.”
Lissa Wohltmann, a member of the Edmond RunWalk Society, praised the event in a post on edmondturkeytrot.com: “Thanks so much for putting together Edmond’s own Turkey Trot. Last year’s run was the best Turkey Trot I've ever done! I got to see a bunch of my friends and neighbors doing something I love. It was like a mobile party going on. Even though I’m not this super great runner (we do run/walks), I still have a fabulous time. Can’t wait for this event!”
Sheila Kidder, with the RunHers Women’s Club, echoed the praise: “RunHers Women’s Association proudly supports all the events and nonprofits that are doing great work impacting the lives and health of our metro community.”
A full 100 percent of the proceeds from the Turkey Trot support Turning Point Ministries Goals include honoring the self-worth of those in need through a hand up rather than a hand out and establishing sufficient financial reserves so properties can be secured as they become available.
Turning Point Ministries has been working with the City of Edmond to develop Legacy Station, a Habitat for Humanity-style addition located just north of downtown Edmond. Volunteers from many churches and other local organizations have helped build homes benefiting single mothers with children who have a demonstrated desire to live in Edmond.
In 2009, the organization built a home for a wheelchair-bound single woman afflicted with spina bifida.
Turning Point Ministries has acquired three more temporary residences and a 2-acre parcel of land in near northwest Edmond and began development of a “pocket neighborhood” of 12 home sites. Volunteers have been working on a second duplex in Legacy Station, scheduled to be completed by Dec. 1.
In addition to the Turkey Trot, Turning Point Ministries sponsors an annual golf tournament in the spring as fundraisers.
Affordable sites in Edmond are more scarce and costly as ever, according to the organization. Development costs also continue to rise, with the cost of a single lot prepped and ready for building, averaging more than $25,000.
The organization also works with the Oklahoma Housing Finance Authority to finance construction activities at reasonable rates, which fit into its model.
In 2010, Turning Point Ministries separated from Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity.
It is managed by an eight-member oversight board which meets every other month. For more information about Turning Point Ministries, call 818-6264 or visit turningpointoklahoma.org.
Local News
Locals gear up for 2012 Turkey Trot
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Affected areas where debris pick up will occur include in the area beginning one-half mile south of 15th Street to 33rd Street and from Boulevard Avenue east to I-35; and the Territories and Timberlake additions. Please see the map for clarification. Pick up is available for residential homes located within the designated boundaries.
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Edmond-area businesses serve as donation drop-off locations
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The Edmond Sun is serving as a drop-off location for the downtown Edmond area. Supplies only may be dropped off at 123 S. Broadway and residents may use the backdoor to enter the building. Parking is available behind the building at the Festival Market Place. Call 341-2121 for more information
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