Every Thanksgiving morning, something special happens in the South Wedge. Before families gather around their Thanksgiving tables, more than 1,000 people come together for the Annual Wedge Waddle—a free, family-friendly 3-mile walk/run that brings our community together and starts the holiday with energy, generosity, and a sense of connection.

As a South Wedge Advocate, employee of SWPC, and a Business Owner- I see the Wedge Waddle as much more than a fun Thanksgiving tradition. It represents what I love about the South Wedge: neighbors supporting neighbors and local businesses investing in the community they serve.

The Wedge Waddle is made possible because of our sponsors and community supporters. Sponsorship dollars help cover the many costs involved in putting on a free community event, including t-shirts, advertising, route support, supplies, and set-up. But sponsorship is about more than helping us pay for an event. It is an opportunity to demonstrate that your business cares about Rochester and the people who live here.

The Wedge Waddle also has a giving component. Participants are encouraged to bring new socks to donate to the South Wedge Community Resource Library and Saint Joe’s House of Hospitality. Last year, our community collected more than 3,000 pairs of socks to help people experiencing poverty and homelessness. That is the power of bringing people together around a common purpose.

I want to personally encourage local businesses, organizations, families, and individuals to consider supporting the 2026 Wedge Waddle. You don't have to be a major sponsor to make a difference. Every contribution and every volunteer makes an impact.

There are many ways you can help make this year's Wedge Waddle a success.

Help us gather sponsors by reaching out to a business or organization you know. Put a Wedge Waddle yard sign in your yard to help spread the word. Volunteer to help register participants. Join us to paint event signs. Help us collect new socks for those in need. Or, if you are able, click the Donate button and make a financial contribution.

Every dollar, every pair of socks, every volunteer hour, and every conversation helps us continue this important Thanksgiving tradition.

Your support helps keep the Wedge Waddle free and accessible to everyone. Most importantly, it shows our neighbors that the South Wedge cares.

I hope you will join us this Thanksgiving—whether you walk, run, volunteer, sponsor, donate, collect socks, put up a yard sign, or simply cheer us on.