Powered by Texas Health Community Hope: Making the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot Accessible to All

Each Thanksgiving, the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot, presented by Texas Health brings together tens of thousands of runners, walkers, families, and volunteers in a shared celebration of community, health, and tradition. For many, it’s an annual ritual filled with joy, connection, and a sense of belonging.

Yet for some in our community, participating in events like the Turkey Trot isn’t possible. The costs associated with registration can be prohibitive, creating barriers that prevent individuals and families from taking part in experiences meant to bring people together. At the YMCA, our mission has always been clear: the Y is for all. Thanks to the generous support of Texas Health Community Hope -- Texas Health’s unique approach to promoting healthier futures through a broad range of impactful initiatives, investments and collaborations -- that belief was brought to life in a meaningful way at this year’s Turkey Trot.

Through Texas Health Community Hope’s support, hundreds of individuals and families facing financial hardship were able to experience Turkey Trot and many of them experienced it for the very first time. People who otherwise would not have been able to join were welcomed onto the course, invited into the celebration, and given the opportunity to be part of a community tradition that promotes movement, connection, and joy.

Their support is more than covering the cost of race registration. It’s about providing access. It was about ensuring parents, children, and individuals could stand at the starting line, feel the energy of the crowd, and share in a moment that celebrates health and togetherness. For many, crossing the finish line represented more than completing a race. It symbolized inclusion, dignity, and belonging.

The YMCA’s mission is rooted in removing barriers so that everyone regardless of income, background, or circumstance has the chance to thrive. Events like the Turkey Trot are a powerful reflection of that mission in action. When people can participate alongside their neighbors and community members, they’re not only building healthy habits; they’re creating memories that foster connection and confidence.

Texas Health Community Hope shares this commitment to community well-being. Through these initiatives that expand access and opportunity, Texas Health helps strengthen communities across North Texas. Their partnership with the Dallas YMCA demonstrates how shared values can translate into meaningful experiences for those who need them most.

As the streets of Dallas filled with movement, laughter, and togetherness this Thanksgiving, Texas Health Community Hope’s impact was felt in every step taken by participants who otherwise might not have been there. We are deeply grateful to Texas Health for their continued dedication to building healthier, more connected communities.

Because when community traditions are accessible, “for all” becomes more than a promise. It becomes reality.