The Kent Chamber of Commerce President’s Gala is held each year to honor and promote the accomplishments of our local business community.  Being nominated for the chamber’s Company Citizenship Award is an achievement unto itself.  Winning for our grassroots charity that helps local businesses raise food and money for underprivileged families feels even better.

We were honored with the Kent Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 Company Citizenship Award for creating, organizing and continuing to grow the Kent Turkey Challenge.   

By definition, the Company Citizenship Award is given each year to a company who has demonstrated exemplary personal growth and leadership to accomplish the Chamber’s vision, mission, and strategic goals. The company has to have contributed significant resources to the community improving the livability and quality of the community through personal or company leadership.
We began our Turkey Challenge nearly four years ago to help local families have a happy and memorable holiday dinner.  Thus far, Kent businesses have come together to collect nearly 6,500 lbs of food and $34,500 for donation to the Kent Food Bank.  
 
Before the awards ceremony, we took a stroll through the event’s silent auction that featured a wide array of products and services donated by Kent Chamber of Commerce businesses.  From wine tastings and custom picnic baskets, to an EcoHitch from Torklift Central, there was an impressive spread of items to bid on.
Best of all, the money raised from the donations goes right back to the Kent business community that supports jobs, and ultimately families in our area. 
As icing on the cake, we were treated to an electrified dinner by former Evening Magazine host and auctioneer John Curley.  He took the stage and rocked The Olberto Brands Live Auction like a Northwest icon should.  Once again, all the money raised will go towards making Kent an even better place to do business. 
Torklift Central would like to thank all of the Kent businesses that make our Turkey Challenge a continual success.  We’re proud to know that winning the Chamber of Commerce’s Company Citizenship Award exemplifies what a strong and ethical business community we are privileged to be a part of.  
THANK YOU.  And we’ll see you in October for this year’s 4th Annual Kent Turkey Challenge.