Turkey Trot Benefits Food4Kidz Program

By Lonnie Stevenson

The annual Turkey Trot Fun Run and Walk sponsored by Realty One Group Mountain Desert and benefiting the H.A.V.E.N. Food4kidz program was Saturday morning.

More than 50 participants gathered on the Island Ball Fields shortly before sunrise. Ranging in age from 4 to 79, with some even wearing Thanksgiving-themed attire, the participants made their
way around the island’s multi-use path.

While the goal of the event was to raise money and awareness for the Food4Kidz program through H.A.V.E.N. Center and have some fun, there was also a competitive component for some to see how quickly they could make their way around the island course.

First to come across the finish line, taking top overall and top female finisher, was Lake Havasu High School Cross Country Coach Erika Washington.

Photo courtesy Crystal Callagy

The top male finisher was Jayden McCarthy, who came in right behind Washington. Coming in second in the female category was Yvonne Totty, and third went to Jennifer Ortiz.
Second place in the male category was Kyle Elliot, and Brian Vandergrass was third. In the Under 18 male category, the top 3 finishers were; 1) Ryder Phillips, 2) Jason Washington and 3) Sebastian Martin.

Photo courtesy Crystal Callagy

The under 18 female category had only 1 participant, 4-year-old Kamilla Cleveland, who participated with her grandmother, Lenea Shaver.

This wasn’t the only family that participated, there was a couple mother-daughter teams, as well as mothers and sons, who made their way around the island together.

According to event organizer Crystal Callagy, the event helped raise more than $2,000 for the program, which helps feed more than 400 kids through the Lake Havasu School Districts 8 schools.

This is Callagy’s fourth year organizing the event. “I was born and raised in this community and helping this community thrive, including the children is near and dear to my heart, Callagy said.

“It’s unfortunate that over 400 children go home hungry after school lunch on Friday’s until breakfast on Monday morning. We, as a community, can do better for our kiddos.”

Next year’s event is already scheduled for Nov. 15, 2025. For more information on how you can help the Food4Kidz program, contact H.A.V.E.N. Center at 928-505-3153 or go to havencenterlhc.org.