FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ (December 3rd, 2025) - What started as a friendly Thanksgiving challenge is now a major win for the community. As part of the Mayor’s Challenge at this year’s 5K Turkey Trot & Fitness Run, Mayor Friedel pledged to donate $1 to Extended Hands Food Bank for every runner who beat his official race time of 27:56. With a record-breaking 3,000 trotters on the course, the Mayor finished 360th overall.
Despite finishing faster than he expected, Mayor Friedel upped his personal donation to $500. Thanks to 18 generous matching donors, and a couple anonymous ones, the total amount pledged toward helping Extended Hands Food Bank reached more than $11,000.
“This is one race I was happy to lose,” joked Mayor Friedel. “The Turkey Trot brings out the best in our community. Every runner who passed me not only burned some calories, but helped put food on a neighbor’s table, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Mayor Friedel and several other pledged donors presented a giant check Wednesday to leadership at Extended Hands Food Bank, who expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support.
“We’re overwhelmed by the kindness shown through the Mayor’s Challenge,” said Allyson Iverson, Assistant Director at Extended Hands Food Bank. “This money will directly support families in need throughout the holiday season and beyond.”
The event marked the largest Turkey Trot turnout to date.
For more information about Extended Hands Food Bank and opportunities to support local families, please visit www.EHFB.Org or www.EHFB.Org/Donate.