Coolidge Park is hosting The Grateful Gobbler Walk
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s time to start preparing for Chattanooga’s annual Grateful Gobbler Walk, where all proceeds go to the MaClellan Shelter.
This walk is an annual tradition in Chattanooga, where community members gather on Thanksgiving Day to raise money for the MaClellan Shelter for Families.
This shelter is so special to this area, because it is the only shelter in a 120-mile radius that keeps the entire family together when experiencing homelessness.
Stan Mccright, co-chair of the Grateful Gobbler with his wife, Besty, said, “What it does, is it raises money for the MaClellan shelter for families, who are homeless. There’s a law in Tennessee that says if a mother shows up at a particular shelter that’s state funded and has a son that is 10 years of age or older, that son has to go to a men’s shelter, and the mother has to go a woman’s shelter. The MaClellan Foundation built this shelter for families so they can stay together while they’re unhoused.”
In past years, the Gobbler Walk’s 8-foot mascot has made appearances during the event, however, this year he’s coming in with a whole new makeover for the 25th anniversary.
One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to the shelter, ensuring that those facing homelessness have access to safe housing and essential services.
Stan Mccright said, “Every year we come away saying, ‘oh we got to do this again.’ This is so great, it’s so much fun, people are so giving. You know Chattanooga is just a very giving community. They come out, they’re excited, the kids are excited, and so it’s a fun event. It’s a great place to start your Thanksgiving Day, and it’s a reminder of how blessed we really are.”
The Grateful Gobbler 5k Walk is on Thanksgiving Day at Coolidge Park and it starts at eight in the morning, sharp.
Coolidge Park is located at 150 River St, Chattanooga, TN 37405,
Mccright says that they do it this way, so after the walk, everyone can be in their homes, ready to have Thanksgiving dinner.
To learn more about this wonderful event, go to wdef.com. We’d love to tell you more.
