Thanks to the fifth annual Gobble Wobble, over 150 needy families in Tallahassee will eat better this Thanksgiving.
The planners of Gobble Wobble, a 5K run/walk, used fliers, e-mail, and word of mouth to draw nearly 300 participants and raise $5,000 to buy groceries for needy families.
The Gobble Wobble was held last Sunday in the Westwood Shopping Center parking lot on Pensacola Street.
Runners came out from all over Tallahassee.
With about 30 participants, SISTUHS won the trophy for the organization with the most participants.
“Handing out fliers was most effective in promoting the race,” said organizer Keisha Pickett.
Runners were able to register in advance at Sports Beat in the Westwood Plaza or through the mail.
“The money from local sponsors and race participants will be used to purchase groceries on Nov. 20,” she said.
“The race is over, but the fundraising is not,” said Paul Chance, co-founder of the Gobble Wobble and an alum. “We still have time before Thanksgiving to ask for donations from local companies.”
Grocery packages will include a turkey, canned goods, corn bread mix, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
“I am ready to see the families’ faces when the groceries are delivered,” Pickett said. “We try to provide most of the trimmings.”
Names of needy families are provided by Second Harvest Food Bank of the Big Bend.
“Plans for the sixth annual Gobble Wobble are already in progress. The key to having a successful event is planning ahead,” Pickett said.
This year’s Gobble Wobble raised appoximately $5,500 which will help 180 families. Over the past five years, they have raised over $22,000.
“Next year, the goal is to double our members,” Chance said. “We want to feed even more families.”