History
Founded and produced by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation, the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot is the largest Thanksgiving Day race in America and, in 2022, was the largest race in California. It allows participants to start Thanksgiving Day off on the right foot by celebrating generosity and wellness with a diverse group of runners and walkers committed to investing in their community. It now benefits four valuable charities: Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, The Health Trust, Healthier Kids Foundation, and Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County.
This family-focused event welcomes participants of all fitness levels -- elite runners, joggers, and walkers -- to enjoy the flat and fast course that flows through downtown San Jose's local neighborhoods and businesses.
Cumulative eighteen-year total donated: over $11 million and over 250,000 pounds of food collected.
Healthier Kids Foundation Santa Clara County believes that one child without access to health coverage is one child too many. Its mission is to ensure access to and advocacy for health care services for all children through innovative, family-oriented approaches. Their strategies for achieving this mission are to engage in resource development, programming, and outreach on behalf of the underserved members of our community.
Second Harvest of Silicon Valley is a trusted leader dedicated to ending local hunger. Since its inception in 1974, Second Harvest has become one of the largest food banks in the nation, providing food to over one-quarter of a million people each month. The Food Bank mobilizes individuals, companies, and community partners to connect people to the nutritious food they need. Nearly half of the food distributed is fresh produce. Second Harvest plays a major role in promoting federal nutrition programs and educating families on how to make healthier food choices.
Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County joined as a beneficiary in 2013. One in four children in Santa Cruz County suffers from malnutrition. Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz is working to ensure that every child has the healthy food they need to thrive.
In 2014 we added an additional beneficiary, The Health Trust. Founded in 1996 as a charitable foundation, the vision of The Health Trust is to make Silicon Valley the healthiest region in America. The Health Trust provides community health services, awards grants, and engages in policy and advocacy that support its vision and three strategic initiatives: Healthy Living, Healthy Eating, and Healthy Aging.