5th Annual Turkey Trot Raises $13,000 for Blue Monarch

Saturday, November 20 featured the 5th Annual Turkey Trot, hosted by Theta Pi, TKP, and PKE. The Turkey Trot was started by Theta Pi Sorority as a fundraiser in support of Blue Monarch, a non-profit organization designed for Tennessee women and their children who are struggling to overcome abuse, unhealthy life choices, and emotional wounds. During a 12-month residential stay at Blue Monarch, the women are treated for alcohol and drug abuse as well as physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The Blue Monarch aims to "provide a safe, nurturing, and challenging environment...while they restore family bonds and gain independence and maturity through the experience of God's love." While enrolled at Blue Monarch, the women are offered programs ranging from educational programs, self-help groups, Narcotics Anonymous meetings, anger management education, and a variety of other programs. The overall goal of the program is to provide hope for the women and their children by giving them the tools they need to become strong, confident, and self-sufficient. 

The Annual Turkey Trot helps provide the necessary funding for all the programs offered at Blue Monarch. This year, roughly 50 people participated in the 5K run. All seven Blue Monarch residents and two children made the trip up the Mountain and participated in the event. This year marks the first year that a Blue Monarch resident ran the course. The event raised over $13,000, making it the largest amount ever raised. Heather Dunham, Theta Pi Community Service Chair and official organizer of the event was very proud about the amount of money raised: "To raise $13,000 is such an incredible accomplishment. People need to realize that even a very small donation goes a long way in creating a very big impact on these lives of these incredible women." Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2010 Turkey Trot! Congratulations to Shelby Koebley and Tyler Cooney, who were the winners of the race!