2 Great Ways to Support Refuge House in November!

We are so lucky to have two upcoming events in Tallahassee that benefit our local domestic violence shelter, Refuge House. We hope you can attend one or both events!

“Twelve local bands will headline MusicFest 2009: Sounds of Hope on the grounds of Unity Eastside Church, 8551 Buck Lake Road in Tallahassee.” Festival runs from 1-5pm on Sunday, November 8th; gates open at noon. Details at http://www.refugehouse.com/MusicFest2009Poster.pdf

On Thanksgiving morning, November 26th, Gulf Winds Track Club hosts the 34th Annual Turkey Trot.

From their website: “Last year more than 3000 people finished one of the four Tallahassee Turkey Trot races helping make it the largest race ever. This year we celebrate the 34th running of this event. It is not your ordinary competitive event. While there is no doubt there will be fast runners, it is also a day for families and friends to come together. The Tallahassee community has responded to this event in a very special way to create a truly unique atmosphere. Thanksgiving Day is a day that brings us all together, gives us time to reflect on the positive things in our lives, and motivates us to share just a little bit extra with the community we call home. We hope you will be part of the 34th running of this race and it is your chance to be part of something special. Here's how:

* Celebrate your own health and fitness by finishing a 1 mile race, a 5K (3.1 miles), a 10K (6.2 miles) or a 15K (9.3 miles). Thanksgiving is the day we all like to share a big meal with family and friends. Why not get a head start on burning the calories this day demands we consume by starting the day with exercise. The Turkey Gobbler is a 1 mile fun run/walk that starts at 8:00 a.m. and is great for kids and walkers. The main course begins at 8:30 a.m. when the 5K, 10K, and 15K races start. Walking the 5K is a great way to participate as well. Big eaters are encouraged to go for the maximum calorie burn in the 10K or 15K.”

Sign up at http://www.gulfwinds.org/turkeytrot/index.htm

* Support the Refuge House with your race entry fee or sponsorship contribution. Since 2001 the main beneficiary of Turkey Trot proceeds has been the Refuge House. More than $60,000 has been raised for the Refuge House since that time. The mission of Refuge House is to provide direct services to battered women, their children and sexual assault survivors, as well as to work to eliminate the conditions in society that allow such violence to continue. Our goal is to help get that word out and provide support.

* Support The Shelter, Inc. On a day of plenty, a little help for those without goes a long way. A portion of the race proceeds will also go to The Shelter, Inc. Turkey Trot began supporting The Shelter in 1995 and in addition to all sorts of food and goods, the race has raised more than $20,000 for the organization. The race is one of the longest running friends of The Shelter and every year you will find the symbol of the homeless, the Turtle, in the race logo.

* Fill the U-Haul Truck - One of the most impressive things each year is to see the load that Judy Alexander and Brian Corbin drive away with in the big U-Haul truck. Bring your contributions of cash, nonperishable food, clothes or toiletry items to share, and Judy and Brian, courtesy of U-Haul, will make sure it gets to those who need it.

If plan to attend the Turkey Trot, you can also add the event on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=40436671445&ref=mf

(Alpha Chi Omega adopted domestic violence awareness as its national philanthropic cause in 1992.)