TXU Energy Turkey Trot Sets New Participation, Fund-Raising Records

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Sheltering Arms Senior Services marked another record-setting year for the 20^th annual TXU Energy Turkey Trot. The Thanksgiving morning event drew more than 15,000 people to the Galleria/Post Oak area, including 13,718 registered participants from as far away as Canada. Participation increased by 10 percent compared to 2011.

“We are so thankful for the number of people who came out to support this event,” said Jane Bavineau, vice president at Sheltering Arms Senior Services and executive director of care for elders. “The TXU Energy Turkey Trot has grown every year because the hard work of our sponsors and volunteers translates into a great experience for families and the running community of Houston.

“It has also grown as families increase their awareness of the needs around them, particularly the needs of seniors who want to maintain healthy and independent lives.”

Founded in 1893, Sheltering Arms Senior Services is Houston's oldest organization focused solely on older adults. Its Dementia Day Center celebrated its 25^th anniversary this year.

This year's Turkey Trot events, including a timed 10K run, 10K and 5K fun-runs and a kids' 1K race, were completed on new courses set out to make them even better for the running community.

“As the races have grown, we have listened to feedback from runners and other participants and we have made adjustments, such as separating the race finish lines to avoid any traffic jams in those final pushes to finish in good time,” Bavineau said.

Some milestones from this year's event include:

• New records for funds raised through registrations and individual fund raising
• 109 participants aged 70 and older (including 11 in the competitive 10K race)
• 692 participants in the kids race

Even while celebrating the successes of the TXU Energy Turkey Trot, Sheltering Arms Senior Services is reminding Houstonians that the needs of seniors are ongoing and constantly growing.

“We hope Houstonians who were not able to join us on Thanksgiving morning will consider helping us get over our own finish line for the year with a tax-deductible donation,” Bavineau said. “The challenges seniors face don't take a holiday. We are committed to being there to support them in every step they take toward a vibrant, long and healthy life. We care deeply about them and their family caregivers, as well.”

About Sheltering Arms Senior Services

A subsidiary of Neighborhood Centers Inc., Sheltering Arms Senior Services is a nonprofit organization committed to the health and well-being of seniors throughout our region. Our mission is to promote the dignity and independence of older adults through service, advocacy, and support for caregivers. We serve thousands of seniors and their caregivers annually through health promotion courses, home care, care management, elder care consultation services, dementia specific adult day care, a volunteer Telephone Reassurance program and 15 neighborhood senior wellness centers.

About TXU Energy

TXU Energy is a market-leading competitive retail electricity provider, powering the lives of more Texans than any other retailer. TXU Energy offers a variety of innovative products and solutions, allowing both its residential and business customers to choose options that best meet their needs, including exceptional customer service, competitively priced electricity service plans, innovative energy efficiency options, renewable energy programs and other electricity-related products and services. Visit txu.com for more information about TXU Energy. REP #10004.

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