9th Annual Turkey Trot Raises Funds for State of the Heart Hospice

Pictured, left to right, presenting a check to State of the Heart: Caitlin Langenkamp, HR Assistant for Cooper Farms;  State of the Heart Hospice employees Pauline Faller, Volunteer Manager and Erica Wentworth, Business Development Specialist; Beth Rammel, HR Assistant for Cooper Farms.

The Ninth Annual Cooper Farms Turkey Trot was held Saturday, November 7th. 350 participants set out on the 3.1 mile course in St. Henry and raised $2,500 for State of the Heart Hospice. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $21,000 for the nonprofit agency which has offices in Coldwater, Greenville and Portland, IN. As a company, Cooper Farms focuses on many things including employee wellness, family activities, and community involvement. The 5K is one of the many ways Cooper Farms is involved in the community, and also a great way to encourage the Cooper Farm team members to work on their health and well-being, as well as encourage family fun time.

When asked why State of the Heart was chosen as the benefactor of this event, Susie Fortkamp, organizer of the event stated, “Unfortunately, most people at some point in their lives will have some sort of involvement with hospice care-whether it is through a sick family member, friend or neighbor. Hospice touches so many lives by being there for families in the time of need.”

“We are very appreciative of not only the donation to our cause, but of the hard work and coordination the staff at Coopers puts into organizing this event each year,” stated Erica Wentworth, Business Development Specialist for State of the Heart Hospice. State of the Heart is a nonprofit agency that cares for patients and families in eastern Indiana and western Ohio who are confronting a life limiting illness. The agency is nonprofit and never turns away patients due to the inability to pay. Fundraisers like the Turkey Trot help the agency carry out their mission. Susie also shared, “I am extremely proud to be a part of the Turkey Trot for the past 9 years.  This event focuses on families and having fun while completing the trot.”