Forward Janesville - TheReport - Third Quarter 2023

The Turkey Trot: Janesville’s Partnership Stands Alone Every Thanksgiving for the last 15 years, Janesville early risers have gathered for either a five-mile run, two-mile fun run, two-mile walk or a “dog jog” to start working off those Thanksgiving meal calories ahead of the big celebration in support of the local Boys & Girls Club, YMCA of Northern Rock County, and ECHO. There’s only one way John Stiloski says you can describe the feeling of working on a charity event that brings together the business and nonprofit communities. “It’s weird, but it’s a vibe.” The “Turkey Trot family” has created that vibe around an event that raises between $360,000 and $370,000 each year for charities across the state, Stiloski, Senior Race Director at Festival Foods said. While racers in Janesville enjoy the same funny turkey themed swag as other cities, the race here is unique. “We approached Festival to ask if we could share funds raised with ECHO and they agreed, making us the sole exception to date,” said Angie Bolson YMCA of Northern Rock County President and CEO. “This is truly the definition of partnership. You add to that the many, many other local businesses and nonprofits that come together to make this event a success year after year, and you can’t help but be moved by the spirit of generosity and collaboration inherent in our city.” The spirit of collaboration has allowed the Turkey Trot to further spread the impact made by passionate community members who love running and giving back as much (or maybe even more) than they love turkey. According to Race Director and Velocity Multi- Sport and Cycling co-owner Julia Jorgensen, the Turkey Trot has developed into a great community event with growing numbers. “Last year we had 1100 participants. We had walkers, we had runners, we had people dressed up as turkeys, and we had dogs! It is just a great way to kick off Thanksgiving Day.” Moving the race to Town Square also allowed the Boys & Girls Club to utilize its facility for registration. “It is so fun seeing the racers and their families come in to pick up their bib numbers here at the Club,” offered Rebecca Veium, Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Club Janesville. “You can see that feeling of being part of a fun tradition that does good for our community. That feeling of excitement is not only felt from the Collaborations Drive Bigger Impact for Our Community By Ashley Pettay and Laura Barten Forward Janesville proudly counts over fifty nonprofits and public entities as members, a point of pride for the organization in its role as the private economic and community development champion for the area. While philanthropy and volunteerism are nothing new to Janesville, perhaps what stands apart for the outside observer is the level of cooperation that extends between private, nonprofit, and public entities. Look no further than holiday perennial favorites like the Festival Foods Turkey Trot and School District of Janesville’s (SDJ) Delivering Bags of Hope to find the definition of collaboration. 6 | FORWARD JANESVILLE Angie Bolson President & CEO YMCA of Northern Rock County Julia Jorgensen (center), Jayson Jorgensen (left), & Scott Went (right), Owners of Velocity Multi-Sport & Cycling