Most Americans live well enough to enjoy the holidays, but for many of our nation’s Sheep Dogs – former and current Veterans & First Responders (Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue, and EMS/Paramedic professionals), that is not the case. These courageous men and women put their lives on the line for us each and every day, giving us the gift of protection and security. It’s time for us to give them and their children the gift of a Merry Christmas!
Your participation in (or donation to) our Turkey Trot for Heroes 5K, Wild Gobbler 5K or 1-mile Fun Run/Walk provides the funding needed for our Christmas Outreach program, which gives the children of struggling Sheep Dogs gifts to open at Christmas.
On Thanksgiving morning (Thur., Nov. 23) from 9:00 to 11:00am, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) will host its 10th Annual Turkey Trot for Heroes 5K at the Center for Nonprofits in Rogers. Join in the fun and competition all while raising needed funding for our Sheep Dogs.
“This is our 10th annual Turkey Trot, and every year we have more participants and more donations,” said SgtMaj Lance Nutt, SDIA’s president and founder. “That allows us to help more Sheep Dog families and children, and we are incredibly thankful for all those who participate in and donate to our Turkey Trot. We could not do it without them.”

In addition to the traditional 5K run, there are two other options for families and fitness enthusiasts – as well as a “virtual 5K.” For runners preferring a shorter distance and families walking together, there is a 1-mile Fun Run/Walk. Those wanting a more challenging course can participate in the Wild Gobbler 5K Adventure Run, which will have stations of exercises throughout the run route. People who don’t run or don’t live in the Northwest Arkansas area are still able to participate by registering for our Virtual 5K – just make a donation and run when (if) you want to!
Early Bird registration for the Turkey Trot for Heroes 5K is just $20 per person and $22 per person for the Wild Gobbler 5K Adventure Run; prices increase November 1. The first 400 runners & Wild Gobblers to register will receive a commemorative t-shirt. Registration for the Fun Run/Walk is $10. Participants can register at www.2017SDIATurkeyTrot.eventbrite.com.
Not a runner, but want to help? Please consider making a tax-deductible donation or sponsoring/adopting a Sheep Dog child in need. If adopting a child, $175 typically covers the child’s three “wish list” toys, clothing, necessities and other items – you do the shopping and drop off the items at the SDIA office. To sponsor a child (you provide the funds, we do the shopping), please make a secure, tax-deductible donation by clicking here (sheepdogia.org/get-involved/donate).
For more information about SDIA, their Christmas Outreach and other programs, visit www.SheepDogIA.org or email Info@SheepDogIA.org.