Stone Soup Promotions hosted its 16th annual Turkey Stampede at Elkhart Health & Aquatics on Thursday, November 28, featuring 10K, 5K, and one-mile races. The cherished Thanksgiving tradition drew thousands of participants eager to support Faith Mission of Michiana’s mission to provide food, shelter, clothing, and other services to families and individuals across Michiana who need help getting back on their feet.
Among the crowd were several employees from Surf Internet, a key sponsor of this year’s event. In addition to sponsoring one of the coveted Gravy Boat Awards, Surf set up a booth during registration both the day before and the morning of the races. Employees passed out Surf-branded running shirts and swag while also hosting a raffle for a pair of new running shoes from Fleet Feet.
“The Faith Mission Turkey Stampede really lines up with our mission to elevate the whole community,” Surf Internet CEO Gene Crusie said. “While we do this through broadband, the event is a great opportunity to support those in need.”
Participants and volunteers arrived bright and early to prepare for the races. Before the races began, Surf employees and customers posed for a group photo, all proudly wearing their Surf running shirts. Each Surf-branded shirt in the photo represented an additional donation to Faith Mission on behalf of Surf.
The first race, the 10K run, began at 8:30 a.m. with the 5K run, 5K walk, and one-mile walk following shortly after. Before the 5K run started, the Turkey Rabbit — a person dressed in a turkey costume — was released with a head start. The first male and female runners to pass by the Turkey Rabbit earned a $25 cash prize.
While many Surf employees, joined by friends and family, took part in the races, others volunteered to help around the course. Crusie is proud of the numerous employees who take the time to participate and volunteer at events like this.
“One of our core values is putting others first,” Crusie said. “Showing up and serving those in need is deeply ingrained in Surf employees’ DNA and core culture.”
As they crossed the finish line, each runner received a Finisher Medal. The top three male and female finishers in the 10K and 5K running races were honored with a Gravy Boat Award, gift cards, and free entry into the 2025 race.
Stone Soup Promotions Founder Paula Turk appreciates all of the sponsors who were a part of the Faith Mission Turkey Stampede.
“The sponsors cover the fixed costs of hosting this event so that all the money that comes in during the event goes directly to Faith Mission,” Turk said. “These funds provide housing, meals, and staff, helping individuals and families get back on their feet. Faith Mission does great work for the community.”
In addition to Surf, numerous local businesses supported this year’s Faith Mission Turkey Stampede, with U.S. Business Systems, Inc. serving as the 2024 presenting sponsor. Other sponsors include NIBCO, Delia Associates, Caribbean Auto Spa, Topping Dental Group, PC, MORryde, Fleet Feet Mishawaka, Kem Krest, Fruition Technologies, LLC, Elkhart Community Foundation, Harman Electric, Inc., and many more.
“It doesn't matter if you're fast or slow, if you run or walk, just being out in nature is a wonderful way to get some exercise and feel good,” Turk said. “Plus, you’re supporting a great nonprofit, so it’s a win-win — you’re doing something positive for yourself while also helping others.”
To learn more about Surf Internet, Stone Soup Promotions, or Faith Mission, visit their websites.
