Latest / Our Community, Our Mission / Ep #331- Fleet Feet's Turkey Trot for a Cause: Partnering with Topeka Rescue Mission

Transcript

Ep #331- Fleet Feet's Turkey Trot for a Cause: Partnering with Topeka Rescue Mission · Our Community, Our Mission

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: Lord, thank you for such a beautiful day.
• 0:03
  SPEAKER_00: Um Lord, I'm just reminded that as we are seeing the uh fall leaves change, um, that it does show that that pruning and changes can also be beautiful and is representative of growth and good things and good things to come.
• 0:22
  SPEAKER_00: And so, Lord, I just pray for um our team, I pray for our special guest today, Lord, that anything that is uh dying off and being made new, Lord, that we would let go of things and welcome change and welcome growth, um, and that we would also be um so careful with our words and our actions at TRM that we are really spreading your gospel to our unsheltered neighbors and our guests, Lord, um, as they seek transformation and that they so many are coming in broken, Lord, and they don't see that um the change is beautiful in what's to come.
• 0:59
  SPEAKER_00: So help us to be um just instruments and sharing your hope.
• 1:03
  SPEAKER_00: Lord, thank you for the company that's represented today as we dive in.
• 1:07
  SPEAKER_00: Um and Lord, just thank you for the good that they do in our community.
• 1:10
  SPEAKER_00: In your name we pray.
• 1:11
  SPEAKER_00: Amen.
• 1:12
  SPEAKER_00: Amen.
• 1:17
  SPEAKER_00: Hello, everyone.
• 1:18
  SPEAKER_00: This is Lamanda Cunningham, the CEO of the Topeka Rescue Mission on this amazing morning for our community, our mission episode.
• 1:29
  SPEAKER_00: I feel like we need to drum roll something.
• 1:32
  SPEAKER_00: Oh, look at them.
• 1:33
  SPEAKER_00: They understood the assignment.
• 1:35
  SPEAKER_00: 331.
• 1:37
  SPEAKER_00: That is amazing.
• 1:39
  SPEAKER_00: 331.
• 1:41
  SPEAKER_00: And um we have a very sweet, spunky, spicy, smart guest today.
• 1:49
  SPEAKER_00: Um, but before we get to her and the amazing company that she uh serves with, um, we have some important things to cover.
• 1:59
  SPEAKER_00: And if you are a loyal listener, you're normally hearing Barry Feeker, previous um executive director here at TRM, normally laying it on thick about how these are so important and that he's gonna quiz me and Miriam.
• 2:13
  SPEAKER_00: Well, today Miriam's not on here, and Barry's not on here.
• 2:18
  SPEAKER_00: So I'm going to be nice to you, Jesse.
• 2:21
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you.
• 2:22
  SPEAKER_00: Um, because this is your first time to co-host with me.
• 2:26
  SPEAKER_00: And I've seen how Barry bullies me and Miriam.
• 2:29
  SPEAKER_00: And so I'm not gonna do that today.
• 2:31
  SPEAKER_03: So he's taught you the things not to do.
• 2:32
  SPEAKER_03: That's exactly right.
• 2:34
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and I'm sure I'm gonna hear about that later.
• 2:36
  SPEAKER_00: So today we're just gonna have fun with these things rather than it being a stressful quiz that normally happens.
• 2:42
  SPEAKER_00: Um, but the first one, um, thank you, Miranda, for looking up and letting us know that today is chicken and waffles day.
• 2:51
  SPEAKER_03: Oh, yeah.
• 2:53
  SPEAKER_03: I do.
• 2:54
  SPEAKER_03: I do too.
• 2:54
  SPEAKER_03: I do.
• 2:55
  SPEAKER_03: It was a new thing, but I tried it and it was really good.
• 2:59
  SPEAKER_00: We actually just served um, so this past weekend, went out of state to see family and um celebrate a an upcoming nephew of mine that's gonna be born any day now.
• 3:12
  SPEAKER_00: We're really excited.
• 3:13
  SPEAKER_00: So at the baby shower, one of the things we did for brunch was chicken and waffles.
• 3:17
  SPEAKER_00: Yes.
• 3:18
  SPEAKER_00: And my 14-year-old helped me make them.
• 3:20
  SPEAKER_00: Oh, yeah.
• 3:22
  SPEAKER_00: She was telling everybody, these are gonna be the best chicken and waffles you've ever eaten.
• 3:26
  SPEAKER_00: Very nice.
• 3:26
  SPEAKER_00: Um, but yeah.
• 3:27
  SPEAKER_00: So they were popular.
• 3:29
  SPEAKER_00: Yep.
• 3:30
  SPEAKER_00: Uh so believe it or not, this concept of chicken and waffles has probably been around for more than 150 years.
• 3:37
  SPEAKER_00: Wow.
• 3:38
  SPEAKER_00: I had no idea.
• 3:39
  SPEAKER_00: Me neither.
• 3:40
  SPEAKER_00: Okay.
• 3:41
  SPEAKER_00: Well, this is an activity that we can do while we eat our chicken and waffles because it's National Day on Writing.
• 3:49
  SPEAKER_00: So National Day on Writing encourages people to engage in daily writing and acknowledge the various roles writing plays in our lives.
• 3:58
  SPEAKER_00: Are you a writer?
• 3:59
  SPEAKER_03: I am.
• 3:59
  SPEAKER_03: I love to write it.
• 4:00
  SPEAKER_03: Are you really?
• 4:00
  SPEAKER_03: Do you journal?
• 4:02
  SPEAKER_03: I've been doing it since I was like seven years old.
• 4:05
  SPEAKER_00: Really?
• 4:06
  SPEAKER_03: See you have a box full of just journals.
• 4:10
  SPEAKER_00: I yeah, I'm probably not a good writer.
• 4:13
  SPEAKER_00: I used to.
• 4:14
  SPEAKER_03: And now Well, I didn't say I was a good writer.
• 4:17
  SPEAKER_03: I just read it.
• 4:17
  SPEAKER_03: But it is, it is, I'm sure it is.
• 4:25
  SPEAKER_00: When I did it.
• 4:26
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and I don't know.
• 4:27
  SPEAKER_00: I don't know if it was just busyness or I got out of habit.
• 4:30
  SPEAKER_00: Um, but I probably need to to look more into that.
• 4:34
  SPEAKER_00: That's awesome.
• 4:35
  SPEAKER_00: Um okay.
• 4:38
  SPEAKER_00: In addition to National Day on Writing, it's National Youth Confidence Day.
• 4:44
  SPEAKER_00: That is a neat one.
• 4:46
  SPEAKER_00: National Youth Confidence Day celebrates the energy, spirit, and potential of young people.
• 4:51
  SPEAKER_00: This is a day to acknowledge everything that they will accomplish and the importance of guidance, leadership, and mentors on this.
• 4:59
  SPEAKER_00: I love that.
• 5:00
  SPEAKER_03: I love this.
• 5:00
  SPEAKER_03: I didn't know there was a day for that.
• 5:02
  SPEAKER_00: Me neither.
• 5:02
  SPEAKER_03: Now we'll put it to practice.
• 5:04
  SPEAKER_00: Yes, with your nephew.
• 5:05
  SPEAKER_03: Yeah, with my nephews for sure.
• 5:07
  SPEAKER_00: Yes, for sure.
• 5:08
  SPEAKER_00: I love that.
• 5:09
  SPEAKER_00: Um, you know, it is something that um I think about often.
• 5:13
  SPEAKER_00: Um, you know, my background is in education.
• 5:16
  SPEAKER_00: And so I was a special education teacher and then um became an assistant principal and a principal before transitioning to the Topeka Rescue Mission.
• 5:24
  SPEAKER_00: And um I say that all the time.
• 5:26
  SPEAKER_00: Like it is amazing if every adult could just give an hour, one activity, something every year, the world would be a better place.
• 5:38
  SPEAKER_00: Yes.
• 5:38
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and of course, you know, when you can have more streamlined mentorship that's ongoing and the longevity and adults can follow kids as they go through the different um grade levels and stuff, that always is more effective too.
• 5:52
  SPEAKER_00: But even just the one-offs.
• 5:54
  SPEAKER_00: So I would just challenge listeners right now, you know, um, if you haven't considered donating some time um at the Topeka Rescue Mission, maybe donate some time, you know, within um, gosh, just maybe school systems, boys and girls clubs, um, so many different great entities that are really working with today's youth and um that is so necessary.
• 6:18
  SPEAKER_00: So okay.
• 6:19
  SPEAKER_00: Well, as we uh pivot from chicken and waffles, writing, and the power of youth, um, let's talk about another young lady um who is just an incredible dynamic person, and it has been a joy over the last year uh to get to spend some time with Miss Kirsten Williams from Fleet Feet Confession.
• 6:41
  SPEAKER_00: Every stinking time I go to say the company, I say feet fleet.
• 6:47
  SPEAKER_00: I don't know why, but I got it right this time.
• 6:49
  SPEAKER_00: I wrote it down.
• 6:50
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and then because her name is spelled Kirsten, I always ask her to make sure it's Kirsten because I have the name of Lamanda and just today got called Lamanda.
• 7:02
  SPEAKER_00: I've been called Lamondo.
• 7:03
  SPEAKER_00: I've had that one's a doozy.
• 7:06
  SPEAKER_00: I've had people leave off the L.
• 7:07
  SPEAKER_00: They thought it was a typo, so it's like Amanda.
• 7:09
  SPEAKER_00: And I said, Did I put Amanda on my paperwork?
• 7:12
  SPEAKER_00: Well, no, it said Lamanda, but I took it off.
• 7:14
  SPEAKER_00: So we have Kirsten here from Fleet Feet, and um, Kirsten, we're so excited to have you on again.
• 7:21
  SPEAKER_00: I'm excited to be here.
• 7:22
  SPEAKER_00: Yes.
• 7:23
  SPEAKER_00: So um last year um we received an email um out of the blue, I believe, and said, Hey, we have an idea and we want to do something for the Topeka Rescue Mission.
• 7:37
  SPEAKER_00: So talk to us a little bit about what was behind those initial communications we got from you.
• 7:43
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah.
• 7:43
  SPEAKER_01: So when I got the role at Fleet Feet, I noticed pretty soon that Topeka didn't have a very like large scale uh turkey trot.
• 7:54
  SPEAKER_01: And so I just got to work of creating a turkey trot.
• 7:58
  SPEAKER_01: I was hoping for maybe 250 participants.
• 8:02
  SPEAKER_01: Um it was just coming together kind of quickly.
• 8:05
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and then I learned that there used to be a Thanksgiving parade.
• 8:09
  SPEAKER_01: Um and it was what was it called again?
• 8:12
  SPEAKER_01: I can't remember.
• 8:13
  SPEAKER_00: I can't remember either.
• 8:14
  SPEAKER_01: Um but Topeka Rescue Mission was the recipient yes, and it was not on Thanksgiving, but it was around Thanksgiving time and it was just like a parade and yeah.
• 8:26
  SPEAKER_01: So when we were doing the turkey trot, I just thought it would make sense to reach out to Topeka Rescue Mission and and have them be the beneficiary of the event.
• 8:36
  SPEAKER_01: And so I messaged and you guys were excited to be on board.
• 8:41
  SPEAKER_01: So I'm excited to have more of a collaborative effort between the two of us this season.
• 8:46
  SPEAKER_00: So and you know, last year this was new to me too, because I've always joked with everybody and said, if I'm running, you better run too.
• 8:55
  SPEAKER_00: I'm being chased, right?
• 8:56
  SPEAKER_00: So running is not a natural gift that um I have.
• 9:02
  SPEAKER_00: Um so when she contacted us, I did not know the first things of even like how to support something like this.
• 9:11
  SPEAKER_00: And I've learned a lot over the last year.
• 9:13
  SPEAKER_00: Um, I have uh purchased shoes from Fleet Feet and appreciated the thoroughness um that I received.
• 9:21
  SPEAKER_00: My husband has as well, um, because gosh, shoe wear is so important.
• 9:27
  SPEAKER_00: And I did not realize just the science that Fleet Feet knows.
• 9:33
  SPEAKER_00: Um and you know, I think sometimes people could overlook that.
• 9:38
  SPEAKER_00: And especially if they're not interested in running or whatever, then they don't give that attention.
• 9:43
  SPEAKER_00: But I really would love for listeners um really try to support Fleet Feet.
• 9:50
  SPEAKER_00: Um, you will have such a great experience, it's worth the dollars because um there is just so much overall health that's tied to how you take care of your feet.
• 10:01
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and that's explained if you go into Fleet Feet.
• 10:04
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and so I do absolutely want to give a plug to um Kirsten, your company and and all of that that you work for because they're a gym in our community.
• 10:14
  SPEAKER_00: Yes.
• 10:15
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, I think it's really special what they do, and eve and we have a fit ID scan machine that takes a 3D image uh picture of your foot.
• 10:24
  SPEAKER_01: That's what Lamanda is kind of speaking to.
• 10:26
  SPEAKER_01: Um and that is complimentary and free.
• 10:28
  SPEAKER_01: It's two minutes.
• 10:29
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and a lot of people come in just to receive that information.
• 10:33
  SPEAKER_01: Um so you're not tied to buying a pair of shoes when you come in, but the information that you can receive is free.
• 10:40
  SPEAKER_01: And um, we just you can try on shoes, get a feel for everything.
• 10:44
  SPEAKER_00: So and you know, I've gotten the feel too because um we've purchased from a couple of different employees there, and you just don't feel like a number coming in there, or you don't feel like someone's just trying to sell to you.
• 10:58
  SPEAKER_00: It really is like you view us as customers as we're investing, we're investing in our health, we're investing in these are shoes we're gonna be wearing, working, working out, um, just taking care of ourselves, those kinds of things.
• 11:12
  SPEAKER_00: So um, yeah, I believe in fleet feet.
• 11:15
  SPEAKER_00: Um regardless if they supported TRM or not.
• 11:18
  SPEAKER_00: Um, I bought my shoes from them before uh they did this.
• 11:22
  SPEAKER_00: And um, so we're grateful.
• 11:24
  SPEAKER_00: We're grateful for your team.
• 11:25
  SPEAKER_00: Um, so one of the things that I was just not in the know last year of like, what does TRM need to do and how do we support something like this?
• 11:36
  SPEAKER_00: And so our team has really reflected on that um over the past year.
• 11:41
  SPEAKER_00: And um, Jesse, you have hit the ground running um in is it two months?
• 11:47
  SPEAKER_00: Mm-hmm.
• 11:48
  SPEAKER_00: Okay, two months yesterday.
• 11:50
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah.
• 11:50
  SPEAKER_03: And now we just got done with our night appraise, and now it's like, okay, let's now focus on jerky crowd.
• 11:55
  SPEAKER_00: Yes, and holidays and everything else that's coming up.
• 11:58
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah.
• 11:58
  SPEAKER_00: Um, so one of the things that I appreciate um Jesse doing and and our team is we've tried to go, okay, what does TRM need to do to be supporters of this event and not just recipients?
• 12:13
  SPEAKER_00: And so um, Jesse, since you've kind of been involved in a little bit of this planning, talk to us about what TRM is gonna be doing on kind of these days that the runners are coming in the shop.
• 12:26
  SPEAKER_00: Um, what does it look like the day of?
• 12:28
  SPEAKER_00: How is TRM supporting as they support us?
• 12:32
  SPEAKER_03: Yeah.
• 12:33
  SPEAKER_03: So again, thank you, Kirsten, for and Fleet Feet for all this amazing opportunity.
• 12:37
  SPEAKER_03: Anytime that any organization comes to us with an idea like this, uh, we really do want to not just, you know, take take it and run, and we want to also show up.
• 12:46
  SPEAKER_03: So I think that there's a lot of opportunity here.
• 12:49
  SPEAKER_03: This is our second year that we're doing this, and we keep learning, you know, and understanding how it can best uh benefit the runners, benefit us and the fleet feet.
• 12:58
  SPEAKER_03: So one of the ways is as you register, uh, there is an opportunity to donate as well.
• 13:03
  SPEAKER_03: You can donate and not register.
• 13:06
  SPEAKER_03: Um, and you can register and not donate, but of course, you know, we want to push that out to have the opportunity to do that while you register.
• 13:14
  SPEAKER_03: Uh while also um the day of um TRM is providing our volunteer uh base of volunteers to also help during that day with all of the uh needs that Kirsten is needing uh with traffic control, with attending tables.
• 13:31
  SPEAKER_03: We'll have a table there as well that will provide hydration and aid for our runners as far as nourishment and um you know goods to keep them being able to keep on that race because it's how many miles that they're doing?
• 13:45
  SPEAKER_01: There's a 5k option and a 10K option.
• 13:48
  SPEAKER_03: Right.
• 13:48
  SPEAKER_03: So we want to make sure we keep them hydrated and nourished while they run.
• 13:52
  SPEAKER_03: Um and just tending that table for Kirsten and their team.
• 13:55
  SPEAKER_03: Um so there's volunteer opportunity there that you know we're able to provide.
• 13:59
  SPEAKER_03: And then also um just making sure that as well, um, the day of when you pick up your packets that we're there to also provide that awareness and information as you're picking up your packets at Fleet Feet the day before, so the two days prior to the race, um, and letting you uh know or the runners know uh what it is that our team does and just education on where their money is going towards, you know, they are donating.
• 14:23
  SPEAKER_03: Um so and also being being able to bring in uh perishable, non-perishable items that day as well.
• 14:30
  SPEAKER_03: Um those two days prior to the race and the day of the race.
• 14:33
  SPEAKER_03: Um it's also an opportunity for us to um show up and um let the runners know again how their their their do their food donations or their monetary donations are being used.
• 14:46
  SPEAKER_03: So yeah, you know, not just leading it letting all that to fleets uh the fleet feet to do or to um educate people, that's on us because we have this opportunity to use all these amazing runners to um to highlight more of our work while also promoting this awesome event.
• 15:04
  SPEAKER_00: And that's one thing that I love is you know, we'll be providing this aid table that will have the hydration, a friendly face, right?
• 15:14
  SPEAKER_00: Encouraged people.
• 15:16
  SPEAKER_00: That's right, um to help kind of nourish bodies.
• 15:18
  SPEAKER_00: Um, but then there is also a way that if somebody is wanting to know more information about TRM that expands past the race or expands even past dollars.
• 15:29
  SPEAKER_00: If people want to know what we do, if people want to know how they get involved and volunteer, or if somebody's there and says, you know what, right now I don't have the time commitment to give, but I can give$100 a month to TRM.
• 15:43
  SPEAKER_00: They can sign up to be a donor.
• 15:45
  SPEAKER_00: And that's what I think I love about um and respect about Kirsten is last year she was starting with what yes can we say now?
• 15:56
  SPEAKER_00: And it was to have this amazing run that blesses runners, but also for a good cause.
• 16:01
  SPEAKER_00: And then I think we've been able to reflect on that.
• 16:05
  SPEAKER_00: And Kirsten, I know you said you were pleased with the amount of runners that showed up, right?
• 16:11
  SPEAKER_00: Talk to us about that last year.
• 16:13
  SPEAKER_01: Well, first, thank you guys for you know offering to have volunteers there and everything.
• 16:18
  SPEAKER_01: I I was I really wanted to have like a super collaborative relationship with you guys last year.
• 16:24
  SPEAKER_01: So I'm really glad that we're able to work more together.
• 16:27
  SPEAKER_01: And I think it is important for you know the running, the running demographic, that runners runners world to understand TRM.
• 16:36
  SPEAKER_01: I think it's just a great way to get your guys' name out there and what you do.
• 16:40
  SPEAKER_01: And you know, runners like to volunteer.
• 16:42
  SPEAKER_01: There's always a lot of volunteer um opportunities for races, and so I think you are, you know, speaking to the people who would be interested in helping in other ways.
• 16:52
  SPEAKER_01: So I am like really grateful that you guys are gonna be there and doing all of that.
• 16:57
  SPEAKER_01: Um and so the question was to speak about the amount of people we had last year.
• 17:03
  SPEAKER_00: Yes.
• 17:03
  SPEAKER_00: So you had a goal and then you just like surpassed that goal.
• 17:07
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah.
• 17:07
  SPEAKER_01: So like I said, I walked into it saying 250 would be fine.
• 17:12
  SPEAKER_01: Well, then by late October, I was already at 250.
• 17:17
  SPEAKER_01: And the biggest the time where people sign up the most is the two weeks before the race.
• 17:23
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and so I was sort of, you know, going back to the drawing board.
• 17:27
  SPEAKER_01: Okay, I have time.
• 17:28
  SPEAKER_01: I need to maybe up the number of participants I'm expecting.
• 17:32
  SPEAKER_01: And then it just really blew up.
• 17:34
  SPEAKER_01: And and then we ended up with 550 participants.
• 17:38
  SPEAKER_01: I think around 150 people signed up the two weeks before the race.
• 17:43
  SPEAKER_01: So just knowing that definitely preparing for more this year, um, we have a new location with some wider roads, um, really just dove into what we're gonna be providing at the race.
• 17:57
  SPEAKER_01: We're gonna have individual, like small pumpkin pies for every participant.
• 18:02
  SPEAKER_01: Um, we made the race shirts a little more special and unique, um, just because obviously the event was anticipated and people wanted to be a part of it.
• 18:11
  SPEAKER_01: And so just taking that, I really want to expand on the experience and make it better.
• 18:16
  SPEAKER_00: And I think you've you've done that, and that's what's so incredible is last year, you know, the goal was let's put this event out, let's benefit TRM.
• 18:25
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and I know that you and the others put so much like blood, sweat, and tears into making that happen and you accomplished it.
• 18:34
  SPEAKER_00: But I also know that I've heard your heart of, okay, how do we do more?
• 18:39
  SPEAKER_00: And so then that showed TRM, okay, what is our presence there?
• 18:44
  SPEAKER_00: What does that look like?
• 18:45
  SPEAKER_00: And so now, you know, we'll be providing this aid table that has the nourishments and things like that.
• 18:51
  SPEAKER_00: We'll also be able to explain how can people volunteer if they want to?
• 18:55
  SPEAKER_00: How do people donate?
• 18:56
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and then be able to, to me, a partnership is always two ways, if not someone's just a leech, right?
• 19:06
  SPEAKER_00: And so it's TRM's responsibility to also then say, what are we doing to help make this um a great event?
• 19:13
  SPEAKER_00: And how do we help promote um your company and what they're doing as well?
• 19:17
  SPEAKER_00: And I, you know, for just a 12-month turnaround, I think we've really taken this from already a great, successful event numbers-wise and just your organization that you put into it, to then really saying, okay, this is well-rounded.
• 19:34
  SPEAKER_00: And this is an opportunity to really promote why running is so good for people.
• 19:41
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah.
• 19:41
  SPEAKER_00: Um, but then also what should we be doing that is also good for people outside of races?
• 19:48
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah.
• 19:48
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, running is so accessible.
• 19:50
  SPEAKER_01: Anybody, anybody can get a pair of shoes and run.
• 19:54
  SPEAKER_01: Um, you don't have to have the most, you know, athletic, best shoes.
• 19:58
  SPEAKER_01: Um, it's just so accessible to everybody, but also like volunteering is so accessible to everybody.
• 20:04
  SPEAKER_01: What you can you can always do an act of service, um, and it doesn't have to cost anything.
• 20:10
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and I think people are really looking for opportunities to do things that don't require like a significant amount of funds.
• 20:18
  SPEAKER_01: So why not go to like your community and serve your community and put your time into that?
• 20:24
  SPEAKER_01: It's completely free, and then you're benefiting, you know, the people who really are in need of some like service and care.
• 20:33
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and so it is there is a lot of parallels between volunteering and running, and you know, running is a little more self self-centered, um, but the volunteering like makes it so it is about everybody else.
• 20:46
  SPEAKER_01: So I do like the the parallel there.
• 20:49
  SPEAKER_03: I do too.
• 20:50
  SPEAKER_01: I do too.
• 20:50
  SPEAKER_03: And I guess it's checking the boxes of wellness, of running, of tradition, as families do this on a very cool special day before they get to, you know, eating and all of that.
• 21:01
  SPEAKER_03: Yeah.
• 21:01
  SPEAKER_03: Um and then it brings in a good feeling of during that time of being thankful um on that day and just showing up, you know, with uh any anything that you can use, your talents, your um, your perishable, non-perishable items, or you know, if you have some extra money to donate.
• 21:17
  SPEAKER_03: I think those are just all check marks of just a really good day for people to leave feeling really, really accomplished and um encourage others to do the same.
• 21:27
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, Thanksgiving really is all about gratitude.
• 21:30
  SPEAKER_01: You know, the whole the whole base is gratitude.
• 21:33
  SPEAKER_01: And I can't think of how many times I've been on a run and just been so grateful for like my body to be able to move, or that I have like access to you know, safe areas, or you just really get to thinking, and so then you know, when you're volunteering, that does nothing but you know, fill you with gratitude.
• 21:52
  SPEAKER_01: Like then you're just grateful for the clothes on your body that you are gonna go home and you know be fed.
• 21:58
  SPEAKER_01: And so that just leaves.
• 22:00
  SPEAKER_01: To wanting to create those experiences for everybody else.
• 22:03
  SPEAKER_01: So you know, if you're if you are running the race, like grateful that you're gonna be a part of that and that you are running, but then think about ways to maybe spread that gratitude outside of yourself because it is Thanksgiving.
• 22:17
  SPEAKER_01: It is, yes.
• 22:18
  SPEAKER_00: And there's a lot of people that are in need of it.
• 22:20
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, yeah.
• 22:20
  SPEAKER_00: And one thing that I will say is incredible now that I've been at TRM five years, I've been CEO for four.
• 22:26
  SPEAKER_00: It is amazing at how many people we see come in with needs, and because of the Lord, but also because of volunteers, our staff, our shelter, our food, or whatever, they get their need.
• 22:41
  SPEAKER_00: And then those who were helped become the helpers.
• 22:45
  SPEAKER_00: And um, that is such a beautiful thing we see.
• 22:48
  SPEAKER_00: And gratitude, in my opinion, even in challenges that I faced in my own healing, gratitude has been such an instrument that can help help our perspectives, help our mental health.
• 22:59
  SPEAKER_00: Um, but there are some times where people are really in times where they don't feel like they have anything to be thankful for.
• 23:07
  SPEAKER_00: And so be that person that's pouring into them.
• 23:10
  SPEAKER_00: That's the one thing they do they can give thanks for.
• 23:13
  SPEAKER_00: So um, yeah, I think that's great.
• 23:15
  SPEAKER_00: So let's talk all the logistics.
• 23:18
  SPEAKER_00: Let's talk about when the race is, where the race is.
• 23:22
  SPEAKER_00: Um, I think we have completely set listeners up to know you need to be a part of this, right?
• 23:27
  SPEAKER_00: Come, come do the turkey trot um with us.
• 23:30
  SPEAKER_00: But talk about date, talk about time, talk about location, um, and then we'll go from there.
• 23:35
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, so it's going to be on Thanksgiving morning, November 26th.
• 23:39
  SPEAKER_01: Um, it's at Forbes Field this year.
• 23:41
  SPEAKER_01: Wanted to do a little shakeup of scenery from Lake Shawnee because I feel a lot of events happen there.
• 23:47
  SPEAKER_01: So the course is USATF certified, um, the 5K and the 10K course.
• 23:52
  SPEAKER_01: It begins at the Combat Air Museum, and then it's essentially a little square with a tail.
• 23:57
  SPEAKER_01: Um the route is very easy to navigate.
• 24:00
  SPEAKER_01: Um, you'll be able to see the big crowd of people if you're doing the 10K twice, um, the 5K once.
• 24:07
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and the races begin at 8 a.m.
• 24:09
  SPEAKER_01: The 10K is at 8 a.m., the 5K is at 8.15, and there is a kids 1K that starts around 9, 9.15, kind of when the majority of the parents are back from the 5K.
• 24:22
  SPEAKER_01: Um Jessica did touch on the packet pickup.
• 24:26
  SPEAKER_01: We will have a packet pickup at the Fleet Feet store Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m.
• 24:33
  SPEAKER_01: Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m.
• 24:35
  SPEAKER_01: And then uh if you need to pick up your packet in the morning, there will be some options available.
• 24:40
  SPEAKER_01: Done.
• 24:41
  SPEAKER_03: Okay.
• 24:41
  SPEAKER_03: And then also talk about uh the last day to register before the price goes up.
• 24:46
  SPEAKER_01: Oh yeah.
• 24:46
  SPEAKER_01: And so at the end of the month, October 30th, that is the t-shirt guarantee deadline.
• 24:52
  SPEAKER_01: Um, if you haven't seen the t-shirts, they are so cute.
• 24:56
  SPEAKER_01: They are on the Facebook and Instagram page, but it's a navy long sleeve, it has some fall leaves on this on the sleeve, and the turkey from last year is now riding in an airplane for corpus fields.
• 25:09
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and it is really, really cute.
• 25:11
  SPEAKER_01: So um yeah, the last day to guarantee that shirt will be on October 30th, and then that evening the prices do um increase as well.
• 25:20
  SPEAKER_01: We are sitting at around 315 participants.
• 25:25
  SPEAKER_01: That's incredible, which is really amazing.
• 25:28
  SPEAKER_01: And we are planning on capping the event at around uh 700, 750.
• 25:34
  SPEAKER_01: And so last year this event did get capped, and so we really are encouraging people to sign up.
• 25:39
  SPEAKER_01: And why not sign up when you know you're gonna get a shirt and at a lower price?
• 25:43
  SPEAKER_01: So um, yeah.
• 25:45
  SPEAKER_00: That's awesome.
• 25:46
  SPEAKER_00: So um we've got the day, we've got the location, you've explained the times, the deadlines to get the cute, cute shirt um, and the registration discount.
• 25:57
  SPEAKER_00: Let's talk a little bit more about Jesse's mentioned it a couple of times about the non-perishable food items.
• 26:03
  SPEAKER_00: Yes.
• 26:04
  SPEAKER_00: So from our end, um, you know, I get asked this pretty frequently of does that just mean canned goods?
• 26:09
  SPEAKER_00: And so I want to explain to listeners when TRM, we we have a needs list out there.
• 26:15
  SPEAKER_00: And so it's on our website.
• 26:16
  SPEAKER_00: We update it frequently.
• 26:18
  SPEAKER_00: Um, we definitely update uh sometimes more frequently through the holidays because that can shift, but that doesn't mean just canned goods.
• 26:26
  SPEAKER_00: So non-perishable food items, of course, is all cans, veggies and all of that, but it can also be um boxes of things, and so sometimes it can be um boxes of tuna helper, boxes of hamburger helper, it can be boxes of potatoes, all kinds.
• 26:45
  SPEAKER_00: So instant potatoes, og rotten potatoes, and we need those particularly at holiday, but really any time of the year.
• 26:53
  SPEAKER_00: And so non-perishable food items can also come in the form of bags, so noodles, um, bags of rice and such.
• 27:02
  SPEAKER_00: And so, really, it's kind of this idea of shelf stable food.
• 27:06
  SPEAKER_00: So that can be in the form of bags, boxes, or cans.
• 27:10
  SPEAKER_00: Um, it can also be in the form of jars, and so we do a lot with um like spaghetti sauce and things like that as well, Alfredo sauce, um, where we can put that with a bag of spaghetti, and that's a meal.
• 27:24
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah.
• 27:24
  SPEAKER_00: Um, so what I love about this is this is another way that I think, Kirsten, you've accomplished your goal about doing an incredible race that is an amazing experience for runners, but also bringing awareness to community issues.
• 27:43
  SPEAKER_00: And so this food piece and this idea of asking people, hey, not just donate financially to TRM, can you also donate a non-perishable food item is a way that you're really talking about food scarcity and food insecurity in the Shawnee County community.
• 28:03
  SPEAKER_00: Um, but you took it a step further and you're not just asking participants to bring non-perishable food items.
• 28:10
  SPEAKER_00: You then said they get what?
• 28:12
  SPEAKER_01: Oh, yes.
• 28:12
  SPEAKER_01: If you bring in five pieces of, you know, non-perishable food, then you'll get 15% off of your registration.
• 28:20
  SPEAKER_01: Um, we do have a bin at the Fleet Feet location.
• 28:25
  SPEAKER_01: Um, we would love if you stopped in and brought that food in.
• 28:29
  SPEAKER_01: It will also be available at the packet pickup, and then the morning of the race, um, we will have some of the bins there for you to donate.
• 28:36
  SPEAKER_01: Um how easy is it to look in your pantry and find, you know, five five things of food that you can give to somebody else.
• 28:45
  SPEAKER_01: And then just going back to that gratitude mindset of like, I can look in my pantry and I have I have things, you know.
• 28:53
  SPEAKER_01: And just really taking the time to come in and bring that, I think, will really elevate the experience.
• 29:00
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and I really want to get some more food items than we did last year.
• 29:05
  SPEAKER_01: So that will be something I plug a lot.
• 29:08
  SPEAKER_01: So yeah.
• 29:10
  SPEAKER_03: Yeah, and I think that family tradition, and just big in family traditions, that can start there.
• 29:14
  SPEAKER_03: You know, yeah, don't eat the food that we're gonna be very blessed to eat later on.
• 29:18
  SPEAKER_03: Yeah.
• 29:19
  SPEAKER_03: And give someone those meals and then go run, do a family thing.
• 29:23
  SPEAKER_03: It's just um, you know, not another opportunity to bring in those family traditions, bring in perishable, non-perishable items.
• 29:30
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, no, I agree.
• 29:32
  SPEAKER_00: I think it's wonderful, you know.
• 29:34
  SPEAKER_00: Um, Kirsten, I'm told a lot that I go 90 to nothing, but I think you go about 180 to nothing as fast as you are.
• 29:43
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and you know, you just have such a growth mindset.
• 29:47
  SPEAKER_00: And um as someone that's just older than you but can just see how far you're going, you are just such a blessing.
• 29:55
  SPEAKER_00: But I also want you to know, gosh, you've already done so much good that if you didn't do anything else, you've already made such an impact in our community.
• 30:05
  SPEAKER_00: And I hope that you really, really know that.
• 30:08
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and we're just blessed that we not only get to participate in this event, but to see you um using the gifts that I know God has given you in such a way that gives back to others.
• 30:21
  SPEAKER_00: Um, there's just no stopping you.
• 30:23
  SPEAKER_03: So piercings in the world.
• 30:26
  SPEAKER_03: Really sweet.
• 30:26
  SPEAKER_01: You guys are being so kind.
• 30:28
  SPEAKER_01: Yes.
• 30:28
  SPEAKER_00: And so we we are rooting for you.
• 30:30
  SPEAKER_00: Yes, thank you.
• 30:31
  SPEAKER_00: Not just as an employee of Fleet Feet, not just as a uh turkey trot expert.
• 30:37
  SPEAKER_00: Right.
• 30:38
  SPEAKER_00: Um and the the the t-shirt ideas and all that, right?
• 30:42
  SPEAKER_00: It's just we also are just supportive of you as a person.
• 30:45
  SPEAKER_00: Oh, thank you.
• 30:46
  SPEAKER_00: I do really appreciate that.
• 30:48
  SPEAKER_00: Means a lot.
• 30:48
  SPEAKER_00: Yep, and so you are a blessing.
• 30:50
  SPEAKER_00: Um, so please um support Fleet Feet when you can.
• 30:54
  SPEAKER_00: Please come out and support the Topeka Rescue Mission on Thanksgiving morning to participate in the turkey trot.
• 31:02
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and we are grateful for this partnership.
• 31:05
  SPEAKER_00: And we, the TRM team, looks forward to seeing 750 runners out of Forbes field.
• 31:14
  SPEAKER_00: We're claiming it, proclaiming it.
• 31:16
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and just you know, if you're listening today, be thinking about how you can use your passion.
• 31:22
  SPEAKER_00: Might not be running, but it could be art, it could be something musical, um, or it could be your business to bless the lives of others.
• 31:31
  SPEAKER_00: God bless.