Paso Robles News|Friday, March 29, 2024
You are here: Home » Sports » Paso Robles wrestlers donate to Food Bank
  • Follow Us!

Paso Robles wrestlers donate to Food Bank 

Paso Robles Wrestling Team, Bearcat Wrestlers, PRHS, Food Bank Coaltion of SLO County, Meagan Friberg

Members of the Paso Robles High School Bearcat wrestling team present a check in the amount of $250 to Aracely Aceves Lozano, director of community relations for the Food Bank Coalition of SLO County. The funds were raised during the 11th Annual Bearcat Wrestling Turkey Trot. Photo by Meagan Friberg

Percentage of proceeds from annual Turkey Trot benefits those in need

–On Tuesday afternoon, the Paso Robles High School wrestlers and their coaches presented a check in the amount of $250 to Aracely Aceves Lozano, director of community relations for the Food Bank Coalition of SLO County. The funds were raised during the 11th Annual Bearcat Wrestling Turkey Trot that took place on Thanksgiving Day.

Every dollar donated enables the Food Bank staff to purchase $10 in food, according to Lozano. She shared that over 40 percent of those served by the Food Bank are children under the age of 18.

“The fact that high school students are creating awareness and giving back so that the Food Bank can meet the needs of other children is great. Their $250 donation is able to provide $2,500 worth of healthy food to our community,” said Lozano, “so this is a really nice thing that they have done.”

The Turkey Trot had runners of all ages and levels beginning their 10K fun run bright and early on Thanksgiving morning at the Food 4 Less parking lot in Paso Robles, out to Linne Road and along country roads before finishing back at Food 4 Less. In addition to the wrestlers and coaches, many community members joined in on the fun. More than 80 runners participated this year, including members of the SLO Running Club, and all were given a T-shirt that was custom-designed with art by a local high school student that earned $100 for his efforts.

“We try to get as many people in the community involved as possible,” said Bearcat Wrestling Coach Chris Monteiro, “and the T-shirt design contest is just another way to do that.”

Paso Robles Wrestling Team, Bearcat Wrestlers, PRHS, Turkey Trot

More than 80 runners participated in the 11th Annual Bearcat Wrestling Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. Courtesy photo

The intent of the Turkey Trot, according to Monteiro, is to allow the high school wrestlers to run on a non-workout day, raise money for travel expenses related to overnight wrestling tournaments, and give the athletes an opportunity to participate in community service. The past three years, the Bearcat wrestlers had been unable to put aside a portion of the run’s proceeds for a charitable donation due to program funding challenges including cutbacks in transportation costs from the school district that cost the team nearly $10,000 annually. Thanks to reorganization efforts on behalf of the district, all sports teams at PRHS currently have their transportation and tournament entry costs covered.

“The kids went out and collected pledges for the Turkey Trot and, thanks to the generosity of those that support us, we were able to give 25 percent of the proceeds to the Food Bank,” said Monteiro. “It’s a win-win for all of us and it’s just a great feeling to know that others in our community will benefit from the efforts of our wrestlers.”

Share To Social Media

Comments

About the author: Reporter Meagan Friberg

Meagan Friberg is a reporter for the Paso Robles Daily News and A-Town Daily News.