SUMNER, Wash. — Torklift's retail division hosted a community event that raised $30,243 and 8,651 pounds of food for the Kent Food Bank this year, making 2016 the event's biggest success to date.
Organizers set a goal to raise $25,000 and 10,000 pounds of food for the Kent Food Bank to feed families during Thanksgiving. Over the past six years the event called the Kent Turkey Challenge has raised $111,976 and 33,560 pounds of food.
"Torklift's retail division is very honored to facilitate the Kent Turkey Challenge and continues to be very proud of our local community and the outpouring of their generous donations that have again exceeded our goals," said Torklift President Jack Kay in a media release. "We blew past the goal of $25,000 and made a huge difference for local families."
One hundred percent of the donations went to the Kent Food Bank. For every $10 donation, the Food Bank reports it can feed a family of four people for four days.
"Torklift is happy to support its retail dealers, especially when it's for such a good cause," General Manager Jay Taylor said. "Congratulations to Torklift retail division and the Kent community for raising such a large amount of food and money donations to help feed families."
The top five organizations for money donations were SKIS Painting with $10,155, Eberle Vivian with $4,155, Shannon and Associates with $2,585, Kent United Methodist Church with $2,506 and Pacific Power Group with $2,155.
"We love the fact that it's local and for the community and we've participated for four years now," said Jesse Ficks, SKIS Painting vice president of sales and finance. "We've been blessed with this opportunity and we strive to help the community."
Pacific Power Group takes first place in the food donations with 954 food items.
"Pacific Power Group in general always tries to give back to the community," said Dawna Yntema, sales administrative manager. "It gives everyone the opportunity to give back and have a healthy internal competition."
Other leaders of food donations included Grass Lake Elementary School with 799 items, Kent Valley Hockey Association with 720 items, Seattle/Tacoma KOA with 611 items and Plemmons Industries with 600 items.
"Because of the Turkey Challenge this year, we were able to purchase additional fresh items to pass out in addition to turkeys and chicken," said Jeniece Choate, executive director of the Kent Food Bank. "This includes real butter, fresh celery and fresh sweet potatoes."