Lucky number 13! This year marks the 13th Annual Trotting of the Turkeys fundraiser for Feeding Champlain Valley. Since 2013, Trotting of the Turkeys has raised over $138,00 for Feeding Champlain Valley!
“We are so grateful to Steve Gentile and friends for trotting turkeys for over a dozen years now! The event is a fun way to raise awareness of food security and has helped thousands of Vermonters enjoy the holidays,” shared Rob Meehan, the Director of Feeding Champlain Valley.
Did you know that community member and volunteer, Steve Gentile, started this event and organizes it every year? Steve brings so much energy and joy to the Trotting of the Turkeys. With his support and generosity, this event gets bigger every year and feeds even more neighbors!
“I started this event after volunteering at the food shelf in the Old North End and seeing the large need in my community first-hand. I knew that we needed to find a way to help. I’ve been announcing basketball games at UVM for many years, I love bringing in the student athletes, pep band, UVM Dance Team and larger community together to give back at Trotting of the Turkeys.
– Steve Gentile, Trotting of the Turkeys organizer
It’s an honor to be able to kick off the “Holidays Without Hunger” campaign every year for Feeding Champlain Valley with the Trotting of the Turkeys event. I’m grateful this event raises money for turkey dinners to support Vermont families!”
About the 2026 Trotting of the Turkeys
Join us on November 7th, 2026 at 10:00 am at the University of Vermont’s Patrick Gym at 97 Spear Street in Burlington. Attendees will be joined by the UVM Pep Band, Dance Team, and students-athletes who will lead us on this 10-15 minute parade to Virtue Field.
This year we have our biggest goal yet: $15,000. Funds raised will help Feeding Champlain Valley stock food shelves across Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties, deliver food boxes, prepare meals, and more. As prices for everyday essentials continue to rise, more and more of our neighbors are relying on us to put food on their table. Your gift to the 2026 Trotting of the Turkeys helps fill hearts and stomachs.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Want to donate by check or cash? Please mail your donation, noting that it is part of the Trotting of the Turkeys campaign, to Feeding Champlain Valley, Attn: Philanthropy, PO Box 1265, Burlington, VT 05402.
