Nats show spirit of giving with 7th annual Turkeypalooza

November 27th, 2024

This story was excerpted from Jessica Camerato’s Nationals Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

The Nationals hosted their largest Thanksgiving meal distribution, Turkeypalooza, this holiday season.

The Washington Nationals Philanthropies partnered with BetMGM for the seventh annual event, held Monday through Wednesday. Nats outfielder Stone Garrett participated in the distribution for the second year in a row.

Volunteers from the Nationals’ front office and BetMGM distributed 1,200 turkeys, more than 11,000 meals and winter gear around the D.C. area. The meal kits included turkeys, fresh produce and shelf-stable food items, along with winter hats and gloves.

“Nationals Philanthropies tackles food insecurity year-round through nutrition education, a weekly produce market, and grants that improve access to healthy food in the communities with the greatest need,” said Lauren McCarthy, vice president and executive director of Washington Nationals Philanthropies.

“We are excited to expand the reach of our Thanksgiving meal distribution through continued partnership with BetMGM and generous in-kind support from Giant, ensuring more of our neighbors are able to enjoy the holidays."

With a donation from Giant Foods of 1,000 turkeys, the event expanded from four to six pick-up locations this year. Turkeypalooza kicked off Monday at the BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park. On Tuesday, it was held at the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, Van Ness Elementary School and KIPP DC Legacy College Prep in Washington, D.C. The event concludes Wednesday with distributions at Oakcrest Community Center in District Heights, Md., and Marvin Gaye Park in D.C.

“As the official sportsbook of the Washington Nationals, BetMGM takes tremendous pride in once again partnering with Washington Nationals Philanthropies to fight against food insecurity this holiday season,” said Adam Greenblatt, BetMGM chief executive officer. “In addition to presenting Turkeypalooza, BetMGM is helping fund the food access program at Nationals Academy through the winter by providing an additional 15,000-plus meals to underserved communities in D.C.”