Kent businesses and organizations team up to donate to Kent Food Bank

It’s that time again – businesses and organizations can sign up to compete in the 7th Annual Kent Turkey Challenge hosted by Torklift Central which begins Oct. 12, 2017.

The community of Kent has a goal of raising $25,000 and 10,000 pounds of food for the Kent Food Bank to support families during Thanksgiving. Over the past seven years of the turkey challenge, the community has raised more than $111,976 and 33,560 pounds of food.

Last year’s top organizations and businesses were: Ski’s Painting, Eberle Vivian, Shannon and Associates, Kent United Methodist Church, Pacific Power Group, Grass Lake Elementary School, Kent Valley Hockey Association, Seattle/Tacoma KOA and Plemmons Industries.

The Kent Turkey Challenge first began in 2011 when the food bank lost a significant amount of its funding. Last year, due to the efforts of the community to collect donations for the Kent Turkey Challenge, the Kent Food Bank was able to purchase fresh items including turkeys and chickens for the first time.

“When businesses and organizations sign up to participate they get a decorated donation box and signage to display in their stores,” explained Torklift Central Owner Jack Kay. “Each year the competing businesses are featured on our website and the top winners of the challenge are presented with awards to present in their facilities.

“So far, the turkey challenge has kicked off with a $1,000 donation from Enterprise Rent-A-Car,” he added. “It’s inspiring to see the community support one another and also to see the spirit of competition.”

Jon Kay opened Torklift Central as a one-bay shop in Kent, Wash., in 1976.  Today Torklift Central is a respected worldwide manufacturer and retailer of EcoHitch, RV parts, accessories and services. In 2015, Rep. Adam Smith of Washington’s 9th District recognized and honored Torklift Central for its dedication to the community through the efforts of the Annual Kent Turkey Challenge. The family-owned company is still located on Central Avenue in Kent.

To sign up for the Kent Turkey Challenge and support our local community, visit torkliftcentral.com/turkey.

[Source: Torklift Central]

Michelle Gehlman-Teeter

Michelle Gehlman-Teeter is a writer and photographer from Kent, Washington. Michelle is a contributor to iLoveKent.net. She loves to find interesting places to go and fun things to do and share them with her readers. Click links to see her writing, photography or Facebook page.