23 years ago, Grant Holland, of Denver, awoke on Thanksgiving morning to a blizzard. But, instead of rolling over and going back to sleep, he got out of bed, laced up his running shoes and headed out into the storm.

His family told him he was crazy, but Holland was on a mission. As he drove through the storm, he remembers seeing other people dressed in shorts and running gear.

"It was quite a sight," says Grant, "driving snow, bitter cold and bare legs!"

Only in Colorado, he thought. And, only for the Mile High United Way Turkey Trot at Washington Park.

The Thanksgiving Day 4-mile run and walk is a fundraiser for Mile High United Way and an annual tradition for thousands just like Holland. In its 36th year, the Turkey Trot attracts young and old alike to brave the unpredictable November elements for a good cause and loads of fun.

"To me it's an unbelievable fundraiser," says Holland. "The volunteers are fantastic, it's a well-run event and I go away knowing that I'm helping others in my community who really need it."

Proceeds from Mile High United Way's Turkey Trot go to support partner agencies, programs and services delivering help to men, women and children through the organization's three interrelated initiatives of School Readiness, Youth Success and Adult Self Sufficiency. Turkey Trot participants, like Holland, help Mile High United Way invest in the community to develop and support strategies and partnerships that create an environment in which everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

"I've always said that if people from out-of-town were to witness the Turkey Trot and the energy and excitement people have for coming out on a holiday to support the work of Mile High United Way, they'd move to Denver the very next day," says Holland.

Rain, ice, snow or shine, Holland says he looks forward to the Turkey Trot every year. Sometimes his family runs with him and sometimes he goes it solo. But, he says, in 23 years he has never missed it. Not even when he was far from home just days before Thanksgiving.

"One year I was in Africa on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, but on Thursday morning I was running the Turkey Trot. Jet lag and all," he boasts.

Join Grant and the thousands of other runners and their families and friends at the Mile High United Way Turkey Trot in Washington Park this Thanksgiving Day!

Register now at www.unitedwaydenver.org.