Turkey Trot and Parade to return to Nocatee, raise funds for local charity

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After a successful first year, the Psych Ed Connections Turkey Trot and Parade will be taking to Nocatee for a second helping this Thanksgiving.

The inaugural year boasted nearly 500 racers, several parade participants, even more spectators and generated $2,000 for the local Youth Crisis Center. This year’s event includes plans for improving the races courses, a bigger parade and even more entertainment. 

The race portion of the event includes a 10K, 5K and kid’s fun run. For the parade portion, local businesses decorate golf carts in holiday attire and ride through the parade route throwing candy, beads and more.

“The event is more than just a race,” said Dr. Abigail Levrini, owner of Psych Ed Connections and creator of the event. “It is about starting the day off right; gathering with friends and family; and being grateful for the amazing community that we live in.”

Local businesses come together to organize this event, which is held on Crosswater Parkway. Fun4firstcoastkids.com is sponsoring the kid’s fun run, and CrosswaterConnect.com, which connects local businesses to the community, leads the parade portion. Other local businesses are contributing as race sponsors and/or setting up vendor tables at the event.

The 2017 event will raise funds for St. Johns CARES, a nonprofit organization committed to helping local charities in St. Johns County by providing assistance to those in need through donations and time.  St. Johns CARES divides charity efforts into four different categories: animals and environment; senior and medical; children; and homeless and abused. Anyone who volunteers at the Turkey Trot can receive certified hours for their service.

To learn more about becoming a participant, business sponsor or volunteer, visit the Psych Ed Connections Turkey Trot website at www.psychedconnections and click the “PEC Events” section. Racers can register on active.com. All racers receive a T-shirt, finishers medal and more.              “I feel so fortunate to live and work in this beautiful community,” Dr. Levrini said. “Nothing is better than being able to give back by raising charitable funds through an event that brings so many happy families together on a very important holiday.”