Redmond turkey trotters take off for a good cause
Shannon Brady
This morning was the 9th annual Redmond Turkey Trot held at Juniper Golf Course. The event featured a free 1K run for kids, a 5K and 10K course, and a virtual trot.
Participants were able to grab all sorts of fun swag, such as hats and hoodies. Trotters also had the opportunity to purchase discounted lift tickets to Hoodoo Ski Area at registration.
100% of the event’s proceeds are donated to Bright Eyes Bright Future, a local nonprofit bringing essential eye care services to youth across the world. The nonprofit was founded in 2017 by Krissy and Dr. Ray Hardy, owners of Summit Family Eyecare in Bend.
They told KTVZ news, “Our goal is to provide a family-friendly event to help kick off the holiday on a good note. We’ve seen families, work groups, and friends enjoy the day together, and it makes it all worth it.”
This family event has become a Thanksgiving tradition for many Central Oregonians; others are participating for the first time this year. There were more than 1,500 participants in 2024 and this year had another great outcome, with cars parked down the street.
Hardy added, “Community support grows every year through participation, sponsorship and volunteering. We have over 50 volunteers helping on the day of with everything from directing traffic, checking in runners, setting up, tearing down, and manning the aid station.”
To read more about Bright Eyes Bright Future: brighteyesbrightfuture.org