Celebrities Join Volunteers to Feed Los Angeles' Homeless & Run for Hope

Studio City, CA , November 19, 2015 (Newswire.com) - ​​​​Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission is hosting two major Thanksgiving events on Thanksgiving morning and the day before.  The Mission traditionally hosts the largest Thanksgiving meal in the Valley along with a huge street fair serving homeless on November 25th. This year, the nonprofit added a Drumstick Dash the morning of Thanksgiving, telling volunteers to "Move Your Feet So Others Can Eat." With El Nino and the steady rise of homelessness in the San Fernando Valley, homeless needs are more urgent than ever.

The First Annual Drumstick Dash, Thursday November 26th, will be on the back lot of CBS Studios in Studio City. The day will include a timed competitive 5K race, a timed community 5K run/walk and a Kids Fun Run complete with technical runner shirts and finisher medals. Funds raised through registration and sponsorships will be used to provide hot meals, housing, health care and other basic needs to the homeless in the greater San Fernando Valley.

We can all step up more for those in need in our community, and when you have the ability to help you don't walk.. but run to the opportunity.

Michael Klausman, President of CBS Studios

The Thanksgiving's Drumstick Dash was created in response to the overwhelming interest of volunteers over the Thanksgiving Holiday, many of whom cannot be accommodated at the annual Feast. Hope of the Valley hosts the largest Thanksgiving feast and street fair in the Valley, with 400 volunteers serving more than 1100 meals on the day before Thanksgiving. Volunteers this year will include several celebrity servers such as Cleo King of the CBS show Mike and Molly, Robert Joy from CSI New York, Michael Colyar from Blackish, and actress Wendy Meldrum. Due to the popularity of the event, the event is booked nearly a year ahead of time, and many last minute volunteers get turned away. 

This year, with two events, no one gets turned away. CEO Ken Craft was determined to include every available volunteer, even if spots in the kitchen were already taken. "The needs of the homeless in the San Fernando Valley are constantly growing, and we need all the help we can get," said Craft. "This year, we're thrilled we can say 'yes' to everyone who wants to help over Thanksgiving, whether it's serving food or running by our side to help us raise money to feed the area's homeless well beyond this holiday."

The Drumstick Dash will cater to the whole family with a giant expo, snacks, goody bags, and a running course that will take participants around an active studio lot at CBS. The children will get to run after our turkey mascot. This was made possible with the help of Michael Klausman, President of CBS Studios, who's also Co-Chair of Hope of the Valley's Board of Directors. "We can all step up more for those in need in our community, and when you have the ability to help you don't walk.. but run to the opportunity," said Klausman.  "We're so thrilled to make the CBS lot available for this event and hope the community will join us and lace up for the cause."

Registration to this family event is between $15 and $35 per person and parking will be provided free.  

DRUMSTICK DASH: Nov. 26th, Thanksgiving Morning

WHERE: 4024 Radford Ave. Studio City, CA 91604

TIMES Competitor's 5K - 8 a.m., Completers 5K Run/Walk - 9 a.m., Kids Fun Run (Lil' Gobbler's Run)- 10 a.m.

Kat Manzon will be the Ambassador of Hope, and will host our Lil' Gobblers' run.  The 17 year old from Camarillo is a singer, dancer and actress. Last month she was a top finalists at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards and in August, played Maria in "West Side Story" at the Rubicon Theatre Company.

THANKSGIVING FEAST & STREET FAIR: Nov 25th, Day Before Thanksgiving

WHERE: Hope of the Valley's Help Center 6425 Tyrone Street, Van Nuys

​TIMES: Street Fair Begins at 11 a.m., Meal Served at 1 p.m., Street Fair Continues after Meal

The street fair will include hundreds of donations in supplies such as sleeping bags, blankets, socks, tooth brushes and more.  Grooming services and medical services will also be provided on site at no charge for all in need.

Media, please contact [email protected] or call 323-999-4489 to add your name to the media list for either event, or to schedule interviews and/or photography of the event. 

Interested sponsors should contact Vice President of Development, Jonathan Lopez at [email protected] or call 818-687-8744.  

For more information on the Drumstick Dash Thanksgiving Day, November 26th, please visit HopeDrumstickDash.com, and for Great Thanksgiving Feast, November 25th, CLICK HERE.

Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission demonstrates compassionate concern for individuals lacking means to provide food, shelter, and clothing for themselves and their families. We believe everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, political persuasion or religious affiliation are entitled to receive essential life services. www.hopeofthevalley.org