The Amarillo National Bank had its 12th annual ANB Turkey Run and Donation on Thursday, with 22 employees making the run from its downtown Amarillo branch to the High Plains Food Bank.
Each runner carried a numbered turkey feather that gave them a chance to win a prize. When the runners arrived at the High Plains Food Bank, a check for $1,000 was presented to Zach Wilson, executive director of the organization that is responsible for helping families in the Texas Panhandle combat food insecurity. At least one runner donated their $25 gift card to the food bank.
Wilson said that he is thankful for this support from the Amarillo National Bank to help further their cause.
“Amarillo National Bank is a great supporter for us year-round,” Wilson said. “They always look for ways to engage with us, and this has become a great, unique way to give us help the week before Thanksgiving. I see this event as a kickstart to the holiday season and a fantastic way to get us down that path.”
The Panhandle Gives fundraising campaign starts Monday, giving people a chance to donate to the High Plains Food Bank and other organizations that will receive matching funds. Wilson emphasized that this is a great chance for people who want to donate to get the best impact for their donations.
Gary Wixom, the wellness coordinator for the Amarillo National Bank, spoke about the bank’s commitment to the High Plains Food Bank.
The event started with the runners carrying frozen turkeys in its early years, but Amarillo National Bank came to the conclusion that monetary donations were more effective with the food bank’s access to get the most bang for the buck.
“It is extremely important for our bank to give back to the community,” Wixom said. “I do not think many people realize how many people go without food here. With all the proceeds that the food bank gets, it will make it a better Thanksgiving for many families of the area in need. It’s an amazing feeling for all of our employees to be able to take part in this and help those who need it most.”
Wilson said that with the recent disasters in the area having affected so many people, food supplies are down from what is needed to service the 10,000 families that they help in each month.
“It truly is a time where we need to have everything that we can get to try to meet that need adequately, to try to meet that need,” Wilson added.
