With the cool North Sound wind welcoming volunteers, runners and walkers to the 2019 Meals on Wheels Turkey Trot on November 30t​ h​, approximately 200 participants of all ages gathered at the start line, behind the official races’ turkey mascot, Rob Imparato, Board Chairman of Meals on Wheels. Mr. Imparato said, “I was impressed with the turnout, the energy of the crowd and support for the event overall! Our goal is to see the Turkey Trot grow in participation each year and become an annual tradition. It’s a wonderful way for the community to give back over the Thanksgiving weekend.” Mr. Imparato arrived dressed in a full turkey costume to greet participants, take photos and give the race its official start.

This year’s event included both a 5K and 10K race, the event kicked off at the Holiday Inn Resort, circling through Safehaven before ending at the Holiday Inn where all participants were treated to a wonderful continental breakfast courtesy of Kirk Market and fresh made-to-order omelets thanks to the kindness of Chef Shannon of Got Eggs and his team! Deep fried turkeys were also cooked by Home Gas and delivered to a few of our seniors after the race!

The fundraiser raised over $11, 000 which will go towards the work of Meals on Wheels who currently serves 245 meals daily to seniors, housebound or disabled individuals across all 5 districts in Grand Cayman for a total of 61,250 meals this year. Meals on Wheels continues to expand their reach, however there are still over 100 persons on a waiting list, the funds raised will support our efforts to ensure that “no senior in our community goes hungry.”

Whether participants chose to walk, waddle, be pushed in a wagon, jog or run, there was plenty of fun to be had this year with participation medals for all finishers, presented by Miss Sage Costa, Cayman’s Agricultural Queen; trophies for Top Runners in each age category and over 50 raffle prizes for participants including Book Nook, Burger King and KFC gift certificates for all children, as well as a 2-night stay at Morritt’s Tortuga Club, $200 voucher to the Kimpton SeaFire Resort, $250 in vouchers from Kirk Home Centre and a double ride excursion from Parasailing Professionals to name a few.

This year the overall 5K winners were 18-year old Wyatt Bodden with a time of 18:18 for the males and Tiffany Cole in the female division with a time of 19:52. First place 5K age category winners were Owen Franklin (under10), Levi Superville and Ava Hider (11-17), Wyatt Bodden and Tiffany Cole (18-30), Mohamed Abidah and Gill Gordon (31-55) and Melvin Hodgson and Desiree Sandstron (56+)

The 10K overall first place winners were Paul Henry with a time of 41:04 and Sherri Flemming coming in at 48:45. First place winners in the 10K categories were Loraine Rosset (18-30), Paul Henry and Sherry Flemming (31-55), and Sally Moore (56+). To view all runners’ times and results please visit ​www.caymanactive.ky​.

Meals on Wheels gives sends a huge Thank You to this year’s Turkey Trot sponsors including Dolphin Point Club, Davenport Development, McAlpine, Cayman Fine Print, Radio Cayman, Cayman National Bank, Progressive, Home Gas, Kirk Market, and last but not least thanks to the loyal support of over 25 volunteers who came out to make this event a success on the days leading up to the Turkey Trot and on the event day.
Meals on Wheels invites the community to mark the calendar for next year’s Turkey Trot race slated for Saturday 21 November 2019.

Meals on Wheels would like to encourage individuals and organizations alike to support their annual “Pledge to Feed a Senior.” For only $5 per day you can provide a hot, nutritious meals to seniors, the homebound and the disabled throughout Grand Cayman. To pledge a senior, please do so via the web on ​www.pledgeasenior.com​ or for more information please contact us by calling 769-1974 or email ​[email protected]