Turkey Chase - Montgomery County’s Largest Race Celebrates Its 35th Anniversary

BETHESDA-CHEVY CHASE, Md., Nov. 20, 2017 -- The YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase in partnership with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rotary Club celebrates the 35^th Anniversary of Turkey Chase, which is an annual race to benefit YMCA Youth & Family Services and YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase financial assistance and scholarship programs, and the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rotary Club Foundation.  Turkey Chase is Montgomery County’s largest race, with over 9,000 participants and several thousand spectators.

A video accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2aca4786-5296-4a9b-90ea-08be24f85ab3

For the past five years, County Executive Ike Leggett and his wife Catherine Leggett, along with Somerset, Maryland Mayor Jeffery Slavin, have served as Grand Marshals.  "For 35 years, the proceeds from Turkey Chase have provided a great deal of resources to support critical programs and services," said Montgomery County Executive, Ike Leggett.  "The YMCA of Bethesda-Chevy Chase and The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rotary Club do great work in the Bethesda community, and have made a positive impact in the lives of so many.  We thank you in advance for your participation and sponsorship that helps these organizations provide support to those in need," said Mr. Leggett.    

Since 1982, thousands of individuals and families from around the world have descended upon Bethesda on Thanksgiving morning for this historic race.  “For 35 years, the goal of Turkey Chase has been to support the ideals of community service shared by the Rotary and YMCA, two of the oldest and most respected service organizations in the world,” said Carla Larrick, Vice President of Operations for the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington.  “Both organizations have a rich history of providing critical support to at-risk youth and families throughout lower Montgomery County, and supporting programs and services that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” said Mrs. Larrick.

"Our members work to help those in need and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors and community members.  The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rotary has a rich history of more than 85 years helping great organizations all over Montgomery County, the United States, and the world," said Alexander G. Assaley, III, President of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rotary Club. 

For over 35 years, Turkey Chase corporate sponsors have been critical to the success and support of this most worthwhile event.  This year, Whole Foods is the event’s Title Sponsor.  “We feel strongly that our mission and values at Whole Foods align with that of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase YMCA and Rotary Club.  And we are excited that lots of money goes towards worthwhile charities.  It is for these reasons that Whole Foods Market is a proud sponsor of the 35^th Annual Turkey Chase,” said Carrie Coonin, Metro Marketing for Whole Foods. 

The event’s popularity, long history and the programs it benefits, make it a perfect fit for those seeking opportunities to give back to the local community.  We recognize that corporate philanthropy should serve two purposes – support issues and causes that are in alignment with the sponsor’s corporate giving philosophy; and provide opportunities to enhance corporate brand exposure.  For details on the race, please visit www.turkeychase.com.

About YMCA of Metropolitan Washington
The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is a non-profit charity organization that has been serving the communities and families of Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia in the areas of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, for nearly 165 years. Through opportunities in wellness, aquatics, youth sports, summer camps, childcare and more, the Y engages more than 250,000 individuals and families. Visit www.ymcadc.org for more information.

The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rotary Club
The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rotary Club is a service organization comprised of distinguished men and women that want to make a difference.  For over 85 years Club members have poured their passion, integrity, and intelligence into projects that have a lasting impact.  Rotary promotes strong ethics, fellowship, leadership, and community service.  Our Club’s Foundation supports numerous non-profit organizations and causes in the community, as well as internationally. Through Rotary, we are Making a Difference in the world.  Visit www.bccrotary.org for more information.

Contact:
Dana Rucker
Director of Communications
202-868-3004
[email protected]