Declaring that this year’s annual “Turkey-A-Thon” sponsored by Troop Real Estate to provide Thanksgiving meals to Ventura County’s needy “is having far greater impact than ever before,” Troop Agent and Event Director Alex Gandel said company agents, affiliates and clients “stepped up huge” to help feed over 5000 people this year.
Commenting during Troop’s 10th Annual “Turkey-A-Thon” held on Nov. 24, Gandel said: “We knew going in this year that it was going to be difficult to raise money because our event began as real estate agent-driven program, and the charitable groups told us their pantries were bare. With economic conditions and the real estate industry experiencing difficulty, not only are the recipients having a tough time, but those who have traditionally given are hurting.
“Despite this, “ Gandel said, “our agents stepped up big time, along with the entire community, so that we were able to provide turkey dinners and all the trimmings for over 5000 needy individuals throughout Ventura County this year. We are having greater impact this year because of conditions, and folks are making things go further.”
He added that Troop has now fed over 50,000 people during the “Turkey-A-Thon’s decade-long tenure.
Working with Care & Share, the Moorpark Food Pantry, Food Share and the Boys and Girls Club, Troop distributed Thanksgiving meals at their Simi Valley, Moorpark, Ventura, and Santa Paula/Fillmore offices. Bob Harrison, western regional manager, said Troop’s Ventura office distributed enough meals for some 1800 of the 5000 people fed. The company’s Santa Paula/Fillmore offices distributed enough for 200 people of the total throughout the Santa Clara Valley via the Boys and Girls Club, according to manager Scott Dunbar.
Along with 12-14 pound Turkeys, young and elderly alike received five-pound bags of potatoes, stuffing, canned goods, including cream of mushroom soup, green beans, cranberry sauce, plus a bag of rolls.
“Watching the massive effort of our Troop people and witnessing the joy on the faces of young families and the elderly alike, many of whom walked with the aid of walkers, I’m proud to say I’m part of the Troop family,” Gandel said.
Gandel paid special praise to agent Dedree Hoyt, event coordinator, for “her ongoing tireless efforts down to the last detail to make this program succeed. Without Dedree it never would have happened this year.”
He concluded by stating, “It’s truly amazing how one little idea can grow over the years to assure that those facing some of their darkest hours are going to enjoy a holiday meal,” said Gandel, who expressed appreciation to Albertson’s and Von’s markets in Simi Valley and Ventura, respectively, for their support.
About Troop Real Estate, Inc.
Established in 1987, Troop Real Estate, Inc. is reportedly Ventura County’s largest brokerage and has perennially been a leader in the county’s residential market for the number and dollar volume of listings sold. The company, with approximately 650 seasoned sales professionals, provides the full range of residential, property management, REO, commercial, financial, new homes, escrow, estate homes and relocation services.
Troop offices are located in Simi Valley, Simi/Wood Ranch, Simi (Commercial), Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Moorpark, Camarillo, Channel Islands, Ventura, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Ojai and Bakersfield.