Executive Summary
- The 46th annual Turkey Trot in Fort Myers achieved a record attendance of 4,500 runners.
- Proceeds benefit local charities, specifically Kimmie’s Recovery Zone, which aids those with substance use disorders.
- Kimmie’s Recovery Zone was founded by Al Kinkle after his daughter died of a fentanyl overdose in 2015.
- The organization provides peer support, recovery resources, and operates a food bank.
- Local officials and residents view the event’s growth as an indicator of strong community cohesion.
Thousands of runners convened in Fort Myers on Thanksgiving morning for the 46th annual Turkey Trot, marking the largest turnout in the event’s history while raising funds for local addiction recovery services. According to organizers, the event drew 4,500 registered participants, representing a significant increase over previous years and directing proceeds to charities including Kimmie’s Recovery Zone.
The race, which begins and ends at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, has evolved into a staple holiday tradition for Southwest Florida residents. Data provided by event coordinators indicated a 100-person increase in registration compared to the prior year. Liston Bochette, a Fort Myers city council member and longtime participant, described the event as a unifying force for the region. "This is a real community activity, and it brings the city together," Bochette stated. "We’re a charitable community, and we give back, so that’s what a real quality community does."
A primary beneficiary of this year’s fundraising efforts is Kimmie’s Recovery Zone, a peer-led organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by mental health and substance use disorders. Al Kinkle founded the organization following the death of his daughter, Kimmie, who passed away from a fentanyl overdose in 2015 after a prolonged battle with substance use issues. "I was determined that when Kimmie passed, that I would do something so other parents and families and friends wouldn’t suffer from the same disease that my daughter did," Kinkle told reporters.
Kimmie’s Recovery Zone operates as a resource center offering recovery services at no cost to the public. Additionally, the organization manages a food bank on Mondays and provides daily food assistance. Kinkle emphasized the organization’s peer-led model, stating, "What we do is help people understand some of the things that they’re going through. We get them help. We get them into recovery."
Participants cited various motivations for joining the three-mile run, ranging from personal fitness goals to community spirit. Sarah Ransdell, a local fitness trainer, noted that the event aligns with her professional commitment to health. Meanwhile, Kenneth Perez of Lehigh Acres, participating for his second year, highlighted the event’s scale. "It’s just one of the biggest races that we have in town," Perez noted, adding that the event serves as a metric for the region’s development.
Community Health & Demographics
The record-breaking participation in the 46th Turkey Trot reflects not only the demographic expansion of Southwest Florida but also an increasing community engagement with public health crises. As the region grows, the reliance on community-funded non-profits to address critical issues such as the opioid epidemic and mental health disorders becomes more pronounced. The success of such events suggests a robust local capacity for philanthropic support, which is essential for sustaining peer-led recovery organizations that operate without state mandates or guaranteed public funding.
