Since its inception in 1893, Wheeler Mission has been reaching out and lending a helping hand to those in need throughout Central and South Central Indiana.
With nine different locations and a constantly evolving list of priorities that change with the times, Wheeler Mission is a unique social service organization that focuses on the most vulnerable members of our society – without regard to the recipient’s race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, belief system or religion.
Here at Talk to Tucker, we’re proud of our sponsorship of the Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash, and we want to take a moment or two of your time to go over the details before the big day. Here’s what you need to know:
What Does Wheeler Mission Actually Do for People?
Homelessness, poverty and food insecurity are three of the greatest social ills that plague modern society – but organizations like Wheeler Mission are working tirelessly to help people become self-supporting and transform their lives.
Wheeler Mission is founded on Christian principles and cooperates with many churches, but it is not a church – although it does have dozens of ministries. Much of its ministry is focused on helping the unhoused and the hungry. To that end, they operate shelters for men, women and children alike – plus several mission stores, donation centers and food banks.
In 2021, Wheeler Mission fed the hungry more than 318,000 times and provided more than 268,000 nights of shelter, ultimately making the lives of nearly 11,000 people a little bit easier. While they have a multi-million dollar budget, those dollars are always stretched to the breaking point, making fundraisers like the Drumstick Dash indispensable to Wheeler’s goals every year.
In fact, the Drumstick Dash is the agency’s single biggest fundraiser every year – and every dime raised goes to provide food and shelter for those in need within our community. That’s why the Drumstick Dash’s motto is “Move your feet so others can eat!”
What Are the Main Details of 2022’s Drumstick Dash?
Presented by Huntington Bank, this is the 20th annual Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash starts promptly at 9:00 AM on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 24) – but you want to get there early for the pre-dash concert by The Doo! Band.
The Doo! Band has been Indy’s premier cover group since 2001, and they offer just the right kind of high-energy beats from the 80’s, 90’s, 00’s and onward – all the way to what you’re hearing in the Top 40 today.
They’ll help folks get into the mood to walk, run or even dance their way to the finish line.
This year, participants in the Drumstick Dash have three options:
- The 4.44 mile “Full Gobbler” course for the energetic and spry
- The 2.75 mile “Mini Gobbler” course for folks who want a less challenging route
- The “Outta Town Dash Around” virtual option for folks who can’t participate in person but who still want to get involved
All the Dashes begin at Broad Ripple and Indianola Ave and end near Sun King on Broad Ripple – and there will be prizes for the first 10 male and 10 female racers to cross the finish lines!
Registration for each event is currently $37 – but hurry and get registered because the price goes up another $2 after Nov. 12. You’ll also need to pick up a race packet (which includes t-shirt, racing bib and a swag bag) at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Expo center on 11/23, have it mailed to you (for an additional $9.99) or pick it up the morning of the race ($5 additional cost).
This is a family-friendly event, so children and strollers are welcome, but please leave your pets at home (both for their safety and the safety of others).
You also want to keep in mind that parking is somewhat limited. The parking lots and garages do tend to fill up fast, so it helps to economize on your transportation and come as a group in one vehicle. Additional parking can be found down neighborhood streets and behind Broad Ripple High School.
What Else Can You Do to Contribute to the Wheeler Mission’s Cause?
Your donation doesn’t just get you some cool stuff and the ability to participate in the Dash. When you register, you’ll also get a link to your very own fundraising page. This lets you connect your friends, family members and co-workers to the cause through their financial support.
If you raise a total of $250 or more, you automatically qualify for a refund of your race participation fee – although many folks who qualify choose to leave their donation where it can do so much to help the needy.
For those who have the ability to be generous with their time, a trip to the Wheeler Mission Tent inside the Food Court Party Area will reveal all the additional ways you can volunteer.
When Someone’s at the End of Their Line, Wheeler Mission Is There
With the press of the holidays coming on fast, it can be hard to decide which worthy causes you want to support with your energies and money, but the Drumstick Dash offers you a chance to make sure that every dime you spend and every step you take does the most good.
It’s healthy, it’s productive – and it’s a great time, so the folks here at F.C. Tucker hope to see you there!
