On Nov. 27, the Yes Foundation (YES) hosted San Anselmo’s first annual Thanksgiving “Tutu Turkey Trot” at Wade Thomas Elementary School. The race began at 8:30 a.m. and runners had the option of a 2.2-mile loop through downtown San Anselmo or continuing an extra loop to complete a 5K (or 3.1 miles). All runners paid a $22 registration fee, with the proceeds going to YES in support of the Ross Valley School District (RVSD). 

All participants who registered by Nov. 12 received a “Tutu Turkey Trot” t-shirt. The later registrants could get extra available shirts at the event. With a DJ bringing tunes to the usual calm morning vibes, and complimentary refreshments at the finish line, participants waited eagerly to begin the event. 

Dane Patunoff, a Manor Elementary School and White Hill Middle School parent, attended the turkey trot along with his family and friends. 

“The way that all the families, students and parents all rally behind the schools [at the turkey trot], in support of the arts, music and amazing plays that are produced every year [is appreciated]. I think everyone really values and appreciates that and they understand that you can’t take it for granted and you really have to come out and show your support,” Patunoff said.

Janice Ellingson attended the inaugural turkey trot in support of her kids in the RVSD school district and the YES foundation.

“Just seeing our whole town [of San Anselmo] lit up and all the community coming together [shows]everyone is so happy and supportive of this,” Ellingson said. 

This family-friendly turkey trot brought 700 San Anselmo community members together, starting out their Thanksgiving morning with exercise while also supporting YES and helping donate to the RVSD’s art programs. 

YES began in 1978 when Prop 13 reduced California’s state funding for public schools, ultimately resulting in the cut of art programs. YES funds four elementary schools and one middle school throughout RVSD. It supports art, music, theater and library book funding for Brookside, Hidden Valley, Manor and Wade Thomas elementary schools, as well as for White Hill Middle School, where some Redwood students attended. Due to YES funding, over 1,700 K-8 students are given access to art, music and theater programs and 25-plus on-stage performances are funded each year in support of children’s self-expression.

YES foundation turkey trot event organizer and RVSD parent Jessica White said, “When you are able to provide an art education to a student,it is beneficial in so many ways not just actually with respect to the art, the music or the theater, but it inspires confidence,” White said. “Unfortunately, public schools don’t have the funding alone to provide those types of enrichment programs for the students and so I think what YES supports is really valuable. Without it, our kids wouldn’t get that well-rounded education that I think is so important.”