YMCA gives thanks for Turkey Trot success

Participation hits new record

With more than 1,200 participants, the Boerne Family YMCA Annual Turkey Trot 5K and 10K saw the largest turnout in its 14 years of operating, officials said.

The Saturday event took runners through scenic parts of Boerne’s west side.

“Today was just such a tremendous success,” said Executive Director Selma Angelucci. “The weather, the people. It was amazing. Everyone is so open-hearted.”

The mission, she added, is to raise funds for families that cannot afford membership at the YMCA.

“We want families to be able to walk in, work out and have fun without the worry of affordability,” Angelucci said. “We want them to be able to access our after-school programs and day care programs.”

“Boerne is a small town with some of the nicest people I have ever met.”

— Erika Castro, Boerne Family YMCA Angelucci’s goal is to raise $70,000 to put to work for the community – a goal YMCA membership employee Erika Castro believes is achievable.

“ I’m not originally from Texas or Boerne,” Castro said. “Boerne is a small town with some of the nicest people I have ever met. They are so open to giving.”

Angelucci, who has been with the YMCA since the first race, said families will be presented with affordable options even as the nonprofit strives to reach its funding goal.

To donate, visit ymcasatx. org/donate-today.

Meanwhile, Castro — who was hired in April 2024 — said she enjoyed running in the Turkey Trot for the first time.

“I worked out beforehand to prepare a bit,” Castro said. “I did the 5K in just around 43 minutes.”

Her boyfriend completed the 10K.

Castro said she was glad to be part of an event raising money for the community.

“Coming from the afterschool program at the YMCA, I get to see where the money goes, how it helps families,” Castro said. “I stand by the YMCA mission, and I love working for them.”