By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Shrewsbury – The Turkey Trot for the Memory Committee has officially announced that the 10th annual “Turkey Trot for the Memory” road race and walk will not be held this Thanksgiving Day because of the lingering Coronavirus pandemic.
“Each year over the past 10 years, we have joyfully anticipated the Turkey Trot for the Memory event as a great chance to gather with friends, family and community on Thanksgiving morning,” a committee spokesperson shared in an email. “Unfortunately, because of COVID-19, we can’t gather this year on the common, but we hope you will honor the tradition and get out by yourself or with a buddy to run, jog or walk in your neighborhood or wherever you plan to spend the day.”
Following the example of the recent Boston Marathon, organizers hope that their devoted following will run or walk on their own in a virtual format.
“Despite the pandemic, we wanted to continue to bring awareness to our community about Alzheimer’s and offer support to those families dealing with the disease, made even more difficult by COVID-19,” added committee member Amy Kotsopoulos. “We also want people to remain safe, so we are encouraging those near and far to get out over the Thanksgiving weekend and walk wherever they are and snap a photo or drop a note on social media.”
Participants may use the hashtag #TTFTM20 to post photographs.
In a letter to past sponsors of the event, the committee expressed gratitude for their support.
“We will not be asking business owners and other sponsors to support this year’s event due to the hardships and challenges realized as a result of the COVID pandemic,” Joyce David O’Connor wrote.
While the committee recognizes that getting together virtually isn’t as fun as the real thing, their hope is that people will keep the feeling of community going this Thanksgiving.
“Next year, we promise the best-ever Turkey Trot for the Memory as we celebrate our 10th anniversary,” the committee’s email stated.
Those wishing to make a donation may do so at www.alz.org/donate. Visit the event’s website at www.turkeytrotforthememory.org for additional information.
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