NEWS

Mariano and Caroline Doble - owners of the Davidson Village Inn - at the inaugural Davidson Turkey Trot.

When Caroline and Mariano Doble bought the Village Inn, they did more than buy a business in Davidson, they "bought into Davidson." Evidence of their buy-in can be found in the myriad nonprofits they support in our community and beyond.

As our article about their Inaugural Davidson Turkey Trot notes, the Davidson power couple originally planned their first event for 2020, but COVID sank those plans. With an additional year to plan, their inaugural event garnered participation by more than 1,000 runners, joggers, and walkers. And while some races simply measure their success in the number of participants, the Davidson Turkey Trot can measure its success in the number and scope of gifts to nonprofits generated by the event. Proceeds from the first event in 2021 benefitted the Davidson Rotary Club.

And we have recently seen the huge local benefits of the 2024 Davidson Turkey Trot. In September, Caroline Doble was asked to cut the ribbon at the Davidson Branch Library's New Children's Sensory Area because the project was made possible due to funding from the Turkey Trot. Similarly, the Dobles were on hand last month for the dedication of the Davidson Traffic Garden. Located at Davidson K-8, the Davidson Traffic Garden owes its existence in part to the Davidson Turkey Trot.

According to the Davidson Turkey Trot website, the impact of the race is as follows:

"The 2024 Davidson Turkey Trot raised $42,000 to fund meaningful projects and programs across our community. Since its inception in 2021, the annual Davidson Turkey Trot has contributed more than $165,000 to local initiatives—an amazing testament to the power of community and generosity.

Here’s a look at some of the organizations and projects your participation helped support in 2024:

• Children's Sensory Wall at Davidson Public Library
• Traffic Garden at Davidson K-8 School
• Gift of Life International
• Senior Community Connections
• Feed NC
• Ada Jenkins LearnWORKS

These efforts reflect our shared commitment to education, accessibility, food security, and support for both children and the elderly in our community.

Looking ahead to 2025, we’re working with local charities, News of Davidson, and the Town of Davidson to identify new needs and select future beneficiaries. Your participation makes all of this possible—thank you for running with purpose!"

So, if you thought that the Davidson Turkey Trot was only about donning a turkey hat while logging a 5K, think again. The Davidson Turkey Trot is about supporting the Davidson community and beyond.