Turkey Trot Los Angeles Presented by UAE-USA United announces first-ever virtual event benefiting The Midnight Mission

November 13, 2020

(LOS ANGELES; November 9, 2020) – Turkey Trot Los Angeles presented by UAE-USA United is announcing its first-ever virtual 5k/10k run and walk benefiting The Midnight Mission. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Consulate in Los Angeles is returning as sponsor and host of the race for a fifth year.

Thanksgiving Day is an opportunity for all of us to ​Be Grateful Together ​on a personal, civic and global level. This year’s virtual event will recognize the close friendship between the United Arab Emirates and the United States and underscore the shared values that unite Americans and Emiratis.

It is also a time to help those in need. Turkey Trot LA has set a goal to raise $50,000 for The Midnight Mission this year. Funds raised will provide resources and services to people experiencing homelessness in Southern California. Last year, $38,000 was raised even while Los Angeles experienced the heaviest rain ever on Thanksgiving Day.

“My team and I feel privileged to call Los Angeles our second home,” says UAE Consul General in LA Hazza Alkaabi. “Serving one’s community and helping others are principles deeply instilled in UAE culture. As members of the LA community, we are proud to support The Midnight Mission’s efforts to assist those in need.”

The UAE Consulate in Los Angeles is a long-time supporter of The Midnight Mission, through Turkey Trot LA and an additional gift to support operations and on-site services for the organization’s Women’s Crisis and Bridge Housing Center.

“The Midnight Mission is delighted to partner with the Turkey Trot and the United Arab Emirates” says Mike Arnold, President & CEO of The Midnight Mission. “The Midnight Mission’s goal is to restore people to self-sufficiency and combat the issues surrounding homelessness. Gratitude in action can help create bridges to significant transformation, and we are so proud to be partnering with these extraordinary groups to raise awareness of the people living on our streets who are hungry and without a home.”

In any other year, over 6,000 runners and walkers participate in the annual Turkey Trot Los Angeles on Thanksgiving morning, which has become a holiday tradition for many Angelenos. This year’s virtual event will allow participants to run with family and friends safely. Participants can choose between a 5k or 10k run or walk and complete in any location over Thanksgiving weekend. Participants can use the Runkeeper App to log their official time and will receive their running bib, t-shirt and finisher medal in the mail.

About The Midnight Mission

Founded in 1914, The Midnight Mission offers paths to self-sufficiency to men, women and children who have lost direction. Our emergency services and 12-step recovery, family living, job training, education and workforce development programs offer a compassionate bridge to achieve and maintain healthy, productive lives. We remove obstacles and provide the accountability and structure that people who are experiencing homelessness need to be productive in their communities. Our conviction and commitment to their success define us. For additional information, please visit ​www.midnightmission.org​.

About UAE-USA United

The UAE is a source of stability, tolerance, innovation, and growth in the Arabian Gulf and around the globe. The United States and the UAE are reliable allies, with historical and present-day shared security and economic interests. The UAE and the US share a future-oriented outlook based on inclusion, gender equality, diversity, educational advancement and the promotion of arts and culture. Cultural, educational and medical exchanges between the UAE and the US are spurring innovation and inspiring creativity while connecting the people of both countries. For more information, visit www.uaeusaunited.com​.

About Generic Events

The ​Turkey Trot Los Angeles​ is managed and promoted by ​Generic Events​, a unique experiential agency that unites communities through large-scale active lifestyle events. Generic Events also produces the award-winning ​Herbalife24 Triathlon Los Angeles, ​Santa Monica Pier​ 360 Ocean Festival, ​Los Muertos 5k​, and the Bali International Triathlon​. For more information, please go to www.genericevents.com​.

Media Contacts:

Dalal Chamas                                                                Michelle Lindner
Media Coordinator | UAE Consulate in LA            Turkey Trot LA
dalal.chamas@mofaic.gov.ae                                   Michelle@genericevents.com
310-623-5611                                                                   310-991-2787