Running of the Turkeys

Story and photos by Peter Olliviere

The year 2020 has not been a good one. From the confusion of an election year to the horror that has been the COVID-19 virus. It has gotten harder and harder to ignore the fact that people are hurting. What’s more disturbing is that the hurt has attacked more than just the poor; it has reached out and affected those in our community who have historically been a part of the economically stable. Many people have lost jobs, businesses, and other sources of income. What used to be stable can’t be counted on anymore. For many it’s a new experience that in one minute you’re going out to dinner, and in the next you are waiting in a food line hoping no one you know sees you. Let’s hope this is not the new normal. For several years I have spearheaded the charitable outreach that the Gold Coast Region undertakes. We have been successful in raising several thousands of dollars for various worthy causes. Unfortunately this year, 2020, almost sneaked by without the Club doing anything to benefit those less fortunate than ourselves. We could be forgiven for this oversite; after all, most of our events have been cancelled this year because of government mandates, or from concern of catching or spreading the virus. That was the case until I was contacted by local government officials looking for assistance in helping those in the Ft. Lauderdale community. In other words putting help into the hands of those who needed it the most. When the request came for assistance in a food drive, the Gold Coast Region’s Board of Directors stepped up by pledging to supply 500 turkeys for Thanksgiving that would be given away free of charge. On November 22nd, the Turkey Giveaway was held at Joseph Carter Park in Ft. Lauderdale and was an amazing success. Volunteers from the City of Ft. Lauderdale, Broward HBCU Consortium and the Gold Coast Region distributed gift cards for 500 turkeys along with the fixings that make a complete meal. The event was scheduled to start at 9:00 AM, but cars started to line up at 4:00 in the morning. By the time we started the distribution the line extended through the entire park and out onto Sunrise Blvd. a distance of just over a quarter of a mile. We were able to support two lines of cars, which entered one side of the park and then proceeded through the Distribution Station where the foodstuff and gift cards were given out. Over 750 families were served in total, and 500 turkeys distributed. Did I mention the rain? I was very proud of the Gold Coast Volunteers because they persevered with the distribution even when the skies opened up on us. The rain varied from a light sprinkle to heavy downpours throughout the morning. The rain made the event a little sloppy, but it did not stop our volunteers from performing the work that needed to be done. For those who donated to the event, thank you; your dollars went a long way towards reaching our goal. To those who also gave their time and energy to volunteer, a double thanks to you. This Club has never shied away from helping when it could, and I’m glad to see that 2020 has been no different.

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