The Park City Board of Realtors Philanthropic Foundation continues to “give hunger the bird.”
For the past 23 years, the organization has partnered with the Park City Turkey Drive and the community to provide turkeys for residents who are experiencing food insecurity, according to a report.
“What started 23 years ago with just 75 families has now grown into an extraordinary effort, serving thousands of local families each year,” the report said. “Thanks to generous sponsors like you, we surpassed last year’s goal of 3,000 turkeys with a total of 3,250, ensuring more families could enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.”
This year, the goal is to donate 4,000 turkeys, which will provide dinner for at least 16,000 people, and the foundation is asking the public to join the cause.
“With rising food costs and increasing demand, the need has never been greater, but with your continued support, we’re confident we can meet this challenge,” the report said.
The main drive will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 21 and 22, at The Market at Park City, 1500 Snow Creek Drive. The public is invited to buy a turkey or donate money. Donations will also be accepted through Venmo to @ParkCity-Realtors.
“Every dollar counts, and 100% of donations will go directly to the community,” the report said.
In addition, the Park City Board of Realtors Philanthropic Foundation will host a launch party is scheduled from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Black Rock Mountain Resort in Heber. The event will feature food, drinks and prizes, courtesy of Otto Walker, Silver Mountain Interiors and Black Rock Resort.
For information, visit instagram.com/parkcityrealtors.
While donations help, the foundation is also offering sponsorship opportunities that give local businesses a way to get more deeply involved.
“We invite you to partner with us for this year’s Turkey Drive, knowing that your sponsorship will directly impact local families in need,” its report said. “Your sponsorship not only boosts your brand’s visibility but also strengthens the fabric of our community, embodying the true spirit of Thanksgiving.”
Still, sponsorships are just about branding, according to the report.
“Our community is something we’re all proud of, and this is our chance to support the backbone of the place we call home,” it said. “By being a sponsor, you’re aligning your organization with a legacy — a tradition we’re deeply proud of. As we give back, your brand stands with a community initiative that’s become a cornerstone of Thanksgiving celebrations.”
For sponsorship inquiries, reach out to Park City Turkey Drive volunteers or visit parkcityrealtors.com/contact-us, according to the report
“Let’s make sure no family is left behind this Thanksgiving,” the report said.
Food insecurity has grown across the United States and Utah has seen numbers exponentially rise, according to the Utah Food Bank.
“Here in Utah, many face a hidden struggle to secure enough nutritious food, and the need is only increasing,” according to the nonprofit’s mission. “Today, 415,000 Utahns face uncertainty about where their next meal will come from — a sharp increase of nearly 100,000 in just the last year. The statistics are sobering: 1 in 8 Utahns, including 1 in 6 children, are food insecure. These are not just numbers—they represent our neighbors, classmates and loved ones.”
The Christian Center of Park City and Heber, the drive’s largest recipient, reported seeing a 29% increase in the need in the Wasatch Back, according to the board of realtor’s report.
The Park City Turkey Drive has grown some wings since it started in 2001, the report said.
“For over two decades, the Park City Turkey Drive, in partnership with the Park City Board of Realtors, has embodied the power of community spirit,” it said. “The heart of the Park City Turkey Drive lies in collaboration. Our partnership with The Market at Park City, which generously provides groceries at cost, is a shining example of this, and the entire effort is driven by a volunteer committee from the real estate community. Join us in celebrating 23 years of Giving Hunger the Bird, and help us make this year our most successful yet.”
Park City Turkey Drive
- When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday and Friday, Nov. 21 and 22
- Where: The Market at Park City, 1500 Snow Creek Drive