18th Annual Grateful Gobbler Walk

The family friendly 5K walk, run, and stroll will take place on Thanksgiving morning--Thursday, November 23 at 8 a.m.

100% of the proceeds of the Walk will benefit the Maclellan Shelter for Families. This emergency shelter features 13 units with 64 beds and is the first of its kind in Chattanooga, as it provides a stable environment for an intact family to remain together as they search for permanent housing solutions.

Since its opening in 2014, 200 families, comprising of more than 500 men, women, and children, have benefited from the programs including meals, case management, and job training provided by the shelter. Other emergency shelters in Chattanooga have gender restrictions that result in most intact families being separated. As a result, fathers with young daughters are unable to be sheltered with their daughters and mothers with young sons must be separated, sometimes those as young as 6 years old.

“Kick off Thanksgiving morning by participating in the Grateful Gobbler Walk,” said Betsy McCright, longtime volunteer, and Co-Race Director of the 18^th Annual Grateful Gobbler Walk. “The event will begin promptly at 8 am….giving everyone an opportunity to be home by 10 am to place the finishing touches on their Thanksgiving meal.”

The cost to participate is $25 for walkers/runners 13 year and older and $10 for ages 12 and under. If you’re planning to travel out of town for the holiday or would rather sleep in our your day off, no worries, you can either register as a Virtual Walker or a Sleep Walker for $15. Teams and individuals can register to walk, volunteer and/or donate at www.gratefulgobblerwalk.org